The transformation of Paignton town centre is underway as major changes start to take shape.

Made possible using more than £13million of funding secured through the Future High Streets Fund, long awaited improvement works are set to begin over the coming weeks.

We have been working with and listening to the community since 2015 to develop plans that drastically improve key locations, as well as offering much needed housing, and opportunities for local businesses to grow and thrive.

Projects in the Future High Streets programme including Torbay Road, Station Square, Crossways, Paignton Picture House and seafront public realm are well underway – with the community playing an important role in developing the plans.

It’s by working closely with community and business partners that we will be implementing a temporary scheme for full pedestrianisation of Torbay Road. The temporary scheme is due to go live in early September and will remain in place until the completion of works for the permanent scheme.

By talking directly with Torbay Road businesses, traders, and transport providers, PJA, the appointed design team has responded to, and amended designs for both the temporary and permanent pedestrianisation scheme to ensure it works well for the local business community.

The temporary scheme has been designed to replicate the vehicle access and movement restrictions which are proposed to be introduced on Torbay Road and the adjacent streets as part of the permanent pedestrianisation scheme. Meaning that vehicles will generally not be permitted to drive along Torbay Road and will be limited to access, service, and other delivery vehicles at agreed times of days. The section of Torbay Road over the level crossing and up to the junction with Hyde Road will be closed to motorised traffic at all times (excluding emergency vehicles). These changes will mean that subject to the appropriate licenses being given, businesses will benefit from additional space and pedestrians can experience a more pleasant environment. With the additional space being available, the council are working with community organisations and groups to develop a programme of activities that will bring people together through art, culture, performances, music, food and more.

Linking directly to Torbay Road is Station Square, with design plans well developed following significant input from community partners. Enhancements to Station Square will allow for a more inviting space that puts people at the centre to the ‘gateway’ to the town centre. New seating areas, planting, improved pedestrian crossing points and a dedicated space for taxis and dropping off passengers will create a safer space for all road users.

Technical design works are now underway with key stakeholders and are expected to be concluded later in the month.

After many years of uncertainty, work has started at the former Crossways Shopping Centre site. Contractors have begun a programme of survey work which will include safely removing and disposing of asbestos, ready for full demolition to start in the autumn. Once the demolition work is completed, expected to be in the early part of 2023, work will begin to develop around 90 extra care and sheltered housing units.

Creating a town centre that is inviting for all is a key element of the Future High Streets regeneration programme. To achieve that vision, we are considering a range of options and are liaising with individual businesses, land, and property owners to establish solutions that best support the transformation of the town centre.

In addition to securing Future High Streets Funding, in December 2020, Land Release Funding was secured by us to support the demolition of the 1960s Garfield Road carpark structure. The site was originally identified for regeneration in the Paignton Town Centre Masterplan in 2015. The demolition of the older part of the carpark would further unlock the Victoria Centre for one of the largest and most comprehensive redevelopment opportunities in the town centre. We are in early stage discussions with potential development partners that could see hundreds of new homes being built in the heart of the town.

Enhancing the towns cultural offer is an ambition shared by us and the Paignton Picture House Trust (PPHT). Through collaborative working The Picture House, one of Europe’s earliest purpose-built cinemas is benefitting from more than £4million of funding to bring it back into community use. PPHT has appointed a design team to move forward with the restoration project and have run successful open days and consultation events to ensure the future of the Picture House benefits as many people as possible in Torbay.

Cllr Darren Cowell, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council, said; “It is truly ground-breaking the way in which we are working with so many community partners and individuals to bring about positive change to Paignton town centre. It is through ongoing consultation and engagement that we can ensure the right spaces and places are being created for the benefit of all users, as well as meeting wider council priorities such as providing much needed local housing.”

Cllr Swithin Long, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Tourism and Housing for Torbay Council, said; “This is an exciting time for Paignton town centre as the major changes we have talked about for so long are beginning to take shape. Regeneration of this scale is incredibly complex, even more so with the challenges we are facing more widely in the construction industry. By working with all our community partners, council and TDA officers and appointed specialists we will continue to develop and drive forward plans to ensure Paignton town centre is a place that people want to live, work, and invest in.”

To ensure that everyone in the local community is aware of the upcoming changes to Torbay Road and Station Square, we have set up a dedicated page with detailed information and guidance for businesses and users of the space. We will also continue to communicate directly with businesses to ensure they are kept fully aware of plans and changes to the town centre. Businesses and residents that want to be kept up to date with Paignton Projects can sign up to our Paignton Projects newsletter. 

Community groups and local event organisers who might be interested in running an event or activity in Torbay Road from September are encouraged to submit their proposals to martin.thomas@torbay.gov.uk.

Discover more about the work we are doing to regenerate Torbay’s town centres.