Hollicombe Action Group

History of Hollicombe

A very brief history of the Hollicombe gas works site

In 1923 Gas manufacture was centralised at Hollicombe. Paignton and St. Marychurch becoming holder stations only. On September 4th 1942 during an air raid on Torbay there was a serious fire on the Hollicombe gas holder.

The demise of the private gas companies took place when the industry was nationalised. From 1948 gas in the area was supplied by the South Western Gas Board.

Gas production finished at Hollicombe in 1968. Natural gas arrived in Torbay in early 1973.

Letter to a senior Torbay Council Planning officer from local historian Peggy Parnell.
Peggy Parnell has written several books on the local area which can be found in all good book shops.