After talking to and working with Community Partners on future options for Torbay Road in Paignton, today we're launching our public consultation on three proposed options.

In December 2020, we secured £13.36million of Future High Streets Funding to kick-start the exciting transformation of Paignton town centre. £3million of this funding has been allocated to improve Torbay Road and Station Square.

The community led plans resulted in scheme proposals being developed that provide a range of benefits including creating a pleasant town centre space that reduces traffic, congestion, and pollution. It will also improve pedestrian areas and will better connect the town centre though to the sea front. The plans also deliver much needed high-quality public realm improvements, creating more social spaces for the community and visitors.

Using this feedback, three concept designs for the project are now put forward for public consideration.  

Options under consideration are:

1. Full pedestrianisation of Torbay Road
2. Partial pedestrianisation with limited access westbound along Torbay Road
3. Partial pedestrianisation with one way traffic along Torbay Road

During the consultation which runs until Sunday 27 February, Torbay residents, businesses and communities are invited to share their thoughts on which of the three options would work best.

Young people, families and future users of the area are particularly encouraged to have their say. As well as local business owners and residents from both Paignton, Preston and the wider Torbay area.

The online consultation questionnaire goes live today with face-to-face consultation events taking place in Paignton and Preston over the coming weeks.

Cllr Darren Cowell, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council, said; “By listening to community representatives, together we’ve created three possible options for the future look and feel of Torbay Road. It doesn’t matter how often you visit Paignton town centre we want to hear from as many people in the local community as possible. Whether you live, work, or occasionally visit Paignton, please do get involved and have your say.”

Cllr Swithin Long, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Tourism and Housing for Torbay Council said; “This year is an exciting time for Paignton with several regeneration projects starting to take shape. The improvements proposed for Torbay Road will mean more space for pedestrians, a safer, cleaner and greener space and opportunities to create a vibrant café culture that can be enjoyed by local residents and visitors.”

Louise Gilson, Chair of Paignton Town Centre Community Partnership said; “We are delighted that plans for the much-needed regeneration of Paignton town centre is coming to life. We want the heart of Paignton to be an attractive place that not only restores confidence in the town centre for local business owners but that it becomes a thriving place that the community and visitors can enjoy.”

Full details on the options under consideration can be found on the 'Full or partial pedestrianisation of Torbay Road' page.

Details on face-to-face consultation events will be published on our social media channels and shared through our community networks. 

A decision on the preferred concept option will be announced in March.

Works are expected to start from autumn 2022 and be completed by summer 2023.