The global chain was today named by developers New Riviera Estates as the hotel operator involved in the project.
And it said it was delighted to get a site in such a ‘prime location’ on the English Riviera.
The hotel chain believes the resort has potential to return to its heyday as a premier destination for the UK.
A planning application has been submitted for the complex which will comprise an 80-bedroom hotel run by Ramada, part of the Wyndham Group, 14 luxury flats, a six-screen cinema, shops and restaurants.
Jason Wischhoff, Wyndham worldwide development manager for the UK and Ireland, confirmed the deal.
He said: “Wyndham Hotel Group is delighted to be working with New Riviera Estates on this exciting development opportunity in Torquay.
“This is a key harbour location at the heart of the English Riviera and represents a fantastic opportunity to position the Ramada brand in a prime location.
“We just hope that planning is granted in September so that we can start operating as soon as possible.”
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The Wyndham group operates around 900 hotels in almost 50 countries.
The group was first linked with the development on the site of numbers four to 24 Torwood Street in April.
Peter Tisdale, a director of New Riviera Estates, added: “This is excellent news for Torquay and I’m certain that it will help the English Riviera as a whole.
“Ramada Worldwide is a well-known and respected international brand.
“Ramada hotels cater to mid-market leisure and business travellers, with a great blend of comfort and affordability, which fits perfectly with the new draft tourism strategy for the English Riviera.”
This strategy, drawn up by Carolyn Custerson, calls for more substantial branded hotels to support Torbay’s conference business and to help in turning around years of decline in tourism.
Fellow New Riviera Estates director John Havard commented: “We are delighted to have sealed a deal with Ramada Worldwide, subject to planning consent, of course.
“In a very difficult market we held exploratory discussions with a number of hotel groups, and the outcome was that we found excellent synergy with the Ramada brand, which progressed to an agreement to proceed.
“Ramada has stated that the unique location, the exciting mix of uses within the development, and the stylish modern design of the proposed hotel were all key factors in the decision to come to Torquay, subject to planning consent being granted.”
Announcing the deal with New Riviera Estates Mr Wischhoff said Torquay is a key location on the south coast with the potential to return to its heyday as a prestigious holiday destination.
“It appeals to families as well as to the business user and the New Riviera Estates’ proposal certainly offers a massive amount of potential to attract national and international companies to use Torquay for conferencing and events,” he added.
He said the hotel chain were also attracted by the modern design of the development.
If planning permission is granted this autumn it is hoped the Ramada hotel would open in 2012.
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