NEWTON Abbot councillors got an early view of how the redeveloped Town Quay may look – and liked what they saw.
'This is going to be somewhere where people say "let's go to the quay",' said Cllr Daphne Watts at the amenities committee on Wednesday.
'We're already getting inquiries from rowing and canoeing clubs which want to launch from the quay. It's not going to interfere with wildlife, in fact it's going to enhance it. I think it is an extremely exciting plan,' she added.
The artist's impression produced by LHC architectural consultants will have to be changed as early investigations show that the bridge, connecting the new Sustrans cycle and footway from Kingsteignton with Templer Way will have to be resited because of electricity cables.
A boardwalk will connect with the footpath through Hackney Marshes so that people no longer have to trail through Brunel Industrial Estate.
Steps will take people right down to the water's edge, providing a convenient landing point for local water sport clubs. There will also be a grassed play area for smaller children and picnic area with benches and tables.
Mayor Cllr David Corney-Walker said: 'We should welcome it and look for future progress.'
Chairman Cllr Mike Hocking added: 'It's something we've been waiting for, for a long time.'