Bosses of the popular discount shopping chain said cuts were with “with deep regret”
15:50, 21 Dec 2025Updated 16:25, 21 Dec 2025
Trago Mills at Newton Abbot
After weeks of speculation and consultations, the owners of Trago Mills have announced they are making cuts to staff and parts of its Newton Abbot complex.
In May this year DevonLive highlighted there were moved to axe staff and alter opening hours after Trago Mills bosses said they needed to protect “the future needs of the business.”
Then earlier this month DevonLive reported that staff had been informed by email that the firm was looking to make redundancies at the store – blaming rising operating costs and government-imposed National Insurance hikes. This followed confirmation from Trago in November that it had “no option other than to enter consultation with employees’.
While the initial speculation appeared to focus on Trago’s Falmouth store, Newton Abbot workers were also informed they may be affected.
In the most recent statement, the Board has confirmed that “with deep regret” it was set to close Trago Leisure Park at Newton Abbot, stating that it was “no longer financially viable in its current form”.
The Board stated: “Sadly, this decision results in the redundancy of five members of staff. We would like to thank them sincerely for their hard work, dedication, and contribution to the park, and we are committed to supporting them through this difficult transition.
“The Steam Railway will remain open while we actively explore sustainable options to enable it to continue operating in the future. We recognise its importance to visitors and the local community and will provide further updates as plans progress.
“We would like to thank our customers and the wider community for their support over the years.”
In addition, the Board confirmed it was closing the Staple Hill Restaurant Complex at Trago Newton Abbot, adding that this decision was made “with careful consideration of the long-term viability of the operation.”
In a statement released by the Board, it was announced that “where possible, colleagues have been relocated to other areas of the business” but despite these efforts, seven staff would be made redundant.
The Staple Hill Restaurant Complex was set to cease trading on December 31 but the Board reassured customers that the Riverside Retreat coffee shop would continue to trade.
The Board explained: “While this has been a difficult decision, it enables us to focus on providing a sustainable and improved offering for our customers going forward.”
The Board also confirmed the closure its The Keg and Kettle restaurant at Trago Liskeard with “only two redundancies having had to be made”. The restaurant’s final day will be December 22 [Monday] although the Board announced there would be a “new in-store coffee shop, Mill & Grind’ opening on January 3, 2026.
Trago Mills has become a landmark shopping destination in Devon. Its distinctive towers are easily spotted off the A38 and it boasts the biggest garden centre in the South West. It is beloved by many for its range of household items ranging from carpets and clothing to kitchens and toys.