Demolition work on the unsafe building at 62–70 Victoria Street, Paignton, is set to begin next week, with contractors moving onto the site from Friday as Torbay Council takes the next step in removing the structure.
Site mobilisation will start on Friday 10 July, ahead of demolition commencing on Tuesday 14 July, subject to final preparations. Specialist contractor Gilpin Demolition, which previously carried out emergency safety works at the site, has been appointed to complete the full demolition. ([Torbay Council][1])
The initial mobilisation phase will see welfare facilities, machinery and specialist equipment brought onto the site to establish the compound and working area needed for the project.
As part of the set-up, the safety fencing around the site will be extended. However, a pedestrian route will remain open alongside the boundary of Paignton Railway Station, allowing people to continue accessing Great Western Road, Gerston Road, Paignton Library, the train and bus stations, Station Square and the wider town centre.
Torbay Council says businesses in the area will remain open and accessible throughout the works and is encouraging residents and visitors to continue shopping locally.
The demolition will be carried out in a carefully controlled manner, with working hours between **8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday**. Noisier activities will be limited to **9am until 5pm**, while a water mist suppression system will be used to minimise dust.
Subject to weather conditions and progress on site, the demolition is expected to take around **six weeks** to complete. Once the building has been safely removed, Victoria Street will reopen to traffic as soon as possible. ([Torbay Council][1])
The building remains in private ownership. Torbay Council previously exercised its emergency powers after serious concerns were raised over the condition of the property, allowing urgent safety works to be carried out before securing the legal authority required for full demolition. ([Torbay Council][2])
Councillor Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth, said: “Public safety remains our absolute priority, and these demolition works are an important step in addressing a building that has presented significant concerns. We appreciate the patience and understanding shown by residents, businesses and visitors while these necessary works are carried out.
“We are committed to ensuring that disruption is kept to a minimum, with pedestrian access maintained and local businesses remaining open as usual. Paignton town centre is very much open for business, and I would encourage everyone to continue visiting, shopping locally and supporting the many fantastic businesses that contribute to the town’s vibrancy.”
Residents are being encouraged to follow Torbay Council’s updates for the latest information on the demolition programme, traffic management and access arrangements throughout the project.
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