Torbay Council has agreed to plans which will transform the seafront in Devonshire beach town Paignton, in what has been described as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity”
A seaside town renowned for its unique red sand beaches is set to become an even more attractive destination after Torbay Council stamped their approval on a massive £14 million regeneration scheme.
This “once-in-a-generation opportunity” promises to completely transform Paignton’s seafront in Devon. The proposal, which has secured the backing of the Torbay Council planning committee, aims to revamp two of the town’s seafront areas as part of a broader sea defence initiative.
Apart from giving Paignton’s promenade a facelift with new seating terraces, the existing shelters, kiosks, and cafes will find new homes along the sea line. The makeover includes a fresh entrance at South Green, opening up vehicle access to the seafront – though cars won’t be allowed onto the promenade itself.
Development to Paignton town and seafront has been underway for a few years, with the Lidl in the town centre closing back in February after 25 years, the Sun reports. In addition, work is also underway on the town’s historic Picture House. Having originally opened in 1914, the Picture House is one of the most important historic cinemas in the UK.
This Grade II* cinema closed its doors in 1999, sitting empty ever since, until it was added to Historic England’s “At Risk Register”. The current restoration is due to finish this year with the cinema also reopening this year as a new hub for film, culture and community offering a mix of music, live performances, community activities and a café.
On the seafront, two neighbouring hotels also opened within the past year — a £30 million Ibis Styles hotel and a £40 million Mercure Hotel. Development is also taking place in nearby Preston, which will see several enhancements including additional seating, shelters and kiosks, after plans were passed last June.
Beaches in Preston and Paignton are popular destinations due to iron minerals in the sand that oxidise and give a red hue. Nearby beaches, including Broadsands Beach and Goodrington Sands, share this distinctive sand colour, reports the Express.
The plans also aim to bolster the coastal area against floods and safeguard it from escalating sea levels that threaten local spots. A developer is set to be appointed by the end of January, with construction work planned to kick off this autumn to avoid the summer hustle and bustle.
Speaking to the BBC, Councillor Chris Lewis, deputy leader and cabinet member for Place Development and Economic Growth, said: “The council appreciates that there will be disruption to local people and businesses once the main development is underway. This is however a once in a generation opportunity to provide long-term coastal defences and public realm improvements for the Paignton and Preston areas. We thank people in advance for their patience as we make these essential improvements for the long-term protection of our communities.”