Replacing an outdated platform
The existing website had originally been built using an off-the-shelf WordPress theme and no longer reflected the town's updated branding, ambitions or growing content requirements.
Content was difficult to manage, the structure had become restrictive and stakeholders often found it challenging to keep information up to date. Alongside a complete visual redesign, the project provided an opportunity to rethink the site's structure, improve usability and create a platform capable of supporting the town's long-term digital strategy.
Designing around users & content
Working closely with the project team, our UX and development teams helped define the website structure, content types and taxonomy required to organise a large and diverse collection of information.
The site needed to bring together tourism content, local businesses, community organisations, events, news and visitor information within a clear and intuitive user experience. We developed a responsive design that reflected Great Torrington's branding while making it easy for visitors to discover information, explore local attractions and find upcoming events.
A Drupal CMS built around collaboration
Drupal was selected for its flexibility, security and ability to manage complex content relationships. A key requirement was creating a platform that could be maintained by a small council team while encouraging contributions from local businesses, organisations and event organisers.
Working closely with stakeholders, we developed a bespoke content management system featuring structured content types, multiple user roles and carefully configured permissions. Community members can submit events and directory listings directly through the website, with all content passing through a moderation workflow before publication.
This approach allows the website to remain fresh and community-driven while ensuring content quality, consistency and accuracy are maintained at all times.
Managing content at scale
Behind the scenes, the website was designed to handle a large and diverse range of information, from local events and tourism content to business listings, news articles and community resources.
To support this, we developed a collection of reusable Drupal components, flexible page-building tools and structured content types that make information easy to create, manage and discover. The result is a platform that remains organised and scalable as new content is added, giving the council a robust foundation that can continue evolving alongside the needs of the community.
A platform built for long-term growth
The completed website provides Great Torrington with far more than a marketing website. It acts as a central digital platform for the town, supporting tourism, local businesses, community engagement and economic development.
By combining bespoke Drupal development, thoughtful UX design and a flexible content management framework, the site gives the council full ownership of its digital presence while creating opportunities for the wider community to contribute and engage.
Client feedback
"I wanted to say a big thank you for all the work on getting the site designed and live. I've shared with the team here, and with the Great Torrington Regeneration Board. It looks great and we're all very excited."
- Communications Officer, Torridge District Council
Project outcome
The Great Torrington website demonstrates how thoughtful UX design, robust Drupal development and carefully planned content architecture can transform a complex information resource into an accessible, community-focused digital platform.
Designed to support multiple stakeholders while remaining easy to manage, the website provides a future-proof foundation that can continue growing alongside the town, its businesses and its community for years to come.
Need a website that can manage complex content?
Whether you're planning a community platform, a tourism website, a business directory or a content-rich Drupal project, our team can help. Get in touch to discuss your requirements and we'll guide you through the next steps.
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Project overview
Torridge District Council appointed Inventive to design and develop a new community website for Great Torrington, creating a modern digital hub that promotes the town's attractions, businesses, events, organisations and local news.
Built on the Drupal framework, the project combined bespoke design, complex content architecture and a highly flexible content management system. The goal was to create a platform that could be maintained by multiple stakeholders, encourage contributions from the local community and provide a central source of information for residents and visitors alike.
