A MULTI-MILLION-POUND project to create business opportunities in Holsworthy could give a shot in the arm to the market town.

Residents have been voicing their opinion on Torridge District Council’s proposal next to the livestock market, which forms part of the £20 million government funded regeneration package for the area.

Along with plans for a new business park at Hatchmoor in Great Torrington, job creation is being focused at Holsworthy with the aim of creating 100,000 sq ft of flexible commercial space next to one of the leading livestock auction centres in the south west.

There has been a long demand to offer agricultural related business opportunities at the site which is on the edge of the town and units will be available for a broad range of uses including general industry, storage and distribution, commercial, office use, research and development and shops.

Speaking at a public consultation event in Holsworthy’s Market Hall head of estates at Torridge District Council Harvey Gardner said the council was providing the infrastructure for inward investment potential. It will be funded to the tune of £7.3 million of government cash.

Selected as one of 12 projects by government ministers to lead regeneration in Torridge, the vision was to create a “one-stop-hub” for farmers featuring agricultural innovation and professional spaces.

Mr Gardner said the council was taking “a fairly flexible” approach and the site would be “a market driven scheme”.

With Holsworthy Industrial Estate now at capacity, there was “a demand” for a commercial site like this.

“We want the appeal for investors to be as wide as possible which is why there will be a range of sizes of units and uses,” he said.

A planning application will be submitted in the summer and contractors appointed in early 2027 with construction expected to finish within a year before the funding deadline runs out.

Dave Hockin who owns his own plant hire and groundworks business in the area said it was a great thing as it allowed smaller businesses to grow.

“I grew up here and started my business 11 years ago, I now employ 18 staff. Lots of people start out in their garden shed or a small premises and need somewhere suitable to progress. I think it’s really great what the council is doing here in Holsworthy and at Hatchmoor.

“It will also be a focal point for people to visit and bring related business together.”

People will be encouraged to walk from the town centre out to the site as pedestrian access and cycling opportunities are extended and nature and biodiversity around it is enhanced.

But one member of the public said being a good 20 minutes walk from the town it was “a bit too far” and added: “ I can’t see people walking along the A3072 anyway because it’s just too dangerous,” she said.

Former town councillor Pam Johns said she was glad to see something happening at the site as it had been talked about for years.