Torbay Council, in collaboration with its Regeneration Partners Willmott Dixon and Milligan, has unveiled the Place Vision for Paignton — a strategic blueprint designed to unlock targeted opportunities for both public and private sector investment. The proposals are set to drive sustainable economic growth and enhance community wellbeing across Torbay.
The vision will guide the delivery of current regeneration projects and shape future proposals. These include:
· Paignton and Preston Waterfront Public Realm Improvements – currently underway
· Crossways site development – due to be considered by planning this winter
· Emerging masterplan for Victoria Square
· Paignton Gateway, incorporating enhancements to Station Square
· Paignton Harbour Hub
These proposals have been developed in close alignment with ongoing public realm improvements, ensuring a cohesive and impactful transformation of the town.
The Paignton Vision has been shaped through a series of meetings with key stakeholders, including local ward members, businesses, transport providers and operators, community representatives, investors, and statutory authorities such as Devon and Cornwall Police. Their insights have helped ensure the vision reflects both community aspirations and economic realities.
A key element of the Place Vision for Paignton is the Paignton Gateway scheme — a transformative project that brings together several vital transport connections to create a cohesive and accessible transport hub.
This initiative presents a unique opportunity to revitalise the town’s main entrance, enhancing its image and character while improving safety and reducing anti-social behaviour. The scheme includes plans for much-needed new parking provision on the west side of the railway line, upgrades to the bus and train stations, improvements to the taxi rank and steam railway entrance, and the potential development of new homes. By bringing this area back into full and productive use, the Gateway scheme will help unlock the site’s potential and contribute to the wider regeneration of Paignton. This includes enhancing connectivity to Station Square and strengthening links with the wider town centre, ensuring seamless access and improved wayfinding across key areas of Paignton.
Cllr Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member of Place Development and Economic Growth, Torbay Council, said:
“The vision for Paignton is focused on future-proofing the town and ensuring that grant funding awarded to Torbay is effectively used to meet local needs and unlock economic potential. It’s about instilling confidence in both residents and investors — helping to reposition Torbay as a vibrant and competitive destination at local, regional, and national levels.”
Stuart Harris, CEO of Milligan, said:
“Since forming our partnership with Torbay in late 2023, the team has taken time to truly understand what makes the area so distinctive and special. Each of the Bay’s three towns — Paignton, Torquay, and Brixham — offers something unique. In developing the visions, we’ve looked not only at each town individually, but also at their roles, identities, and how they can work together to complement one another. This joined-up approach ensures that the wider strategy reflects the strengths of the whole Bay.”
Chris Wheeler, Regional Head of Land Development at Willmott Dixon, said:
“The vision for Paignton has been shaped by those who know the town best. Over the summer, the project team engaged with a wide range of local stakeholders to gain valuable insight into what the town needs — not only to introduce new uses, but also to strengthen Paignton’s identity as a family-friendly leisure destination. These conversations have helped inform proposals that aim to enhance the character of the area and ensure future developments reflect the community’s aspirations.”
Paignton is not the only town set to benefit from a new place-shaping vision. In July, Torbay Council’s Cabinet formally adopted the Torquay Vision, with similar plans for Brixham and an overarching vision for Torbay currently in development.
These initiatives have been made possible through funding awarded to Torbay Council by One Public Estate, enabling the creation of a comprehensive place vision under the banner of ‘Transforming Torbay’. The Council’s successful funding bids since 2019 have driven the need for a cohesive strategy that aligns all investment streams, development sites, and long-term ambitions — ensuring a joined-up approach to regeneration across the Bay.
Torbay Council’s Cabinet will be asked to formally adopt the Paignton Vision at its meeting on Tuesday 18 November. The meeting will be live streamed via Torbay Council’s YouTube channel, allowing residents and stakeholders to follow the discussion in real time. The full vision document is available to view on the Council’s website.
The Paignton vision can be viewed via: Paignton Town Centre Place Vision.pdf and Paignton Town Centre Vision Appendix.pdf
The visions for Brixham and Torbay are due to be published and considered this winter.
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