Re-inventing the Riviera

The scaffold has come down at Abbey Sands, on the site of the former Palm Court Hotel in Torquay, revealing the sinuous curves and modern lines of this mixed use seafront development.

The design for Abbey Sands took its inspiration from the original historic crescent building and has exploited the elegant sweep of Torre Abbey Sands bay. The massing and proportions of the building have been carefully balanced to take account of the key views to the building and the need to create a focal point at its western end.

The design is influenced by the art-deco style of the British seaside. With curving balconies and a strong horizontal emphasis, the design references the art-deco aesthetic of the ‘ocean liner’.

The landscape design aims to both integrate the building into its surroundings but also encourages movement between the waterfront and the surrounding neighbourhoods. It also provides a great setting for the exciting new restaurants due to open in June.

This project is a collaboration between developer Havard Estates and Balfour Beatty Ltd. Associate at Kay Elliott Architects, Jan Tribble said “we are immensely pleased to have had the opportunity to both re-invent the Riviera style and to re-invigorate the English Riviera seafront.” 

Aerial Photography and Film by Danny Cooke