Demolition of a dangerous privately owned building in Paignton town centre is expected to begin within the next two weeks after Torbay Council secured legal authority to remove the structure.
The building at 62–70 Victoria Street has been at the centre of ongoing safety concerns, with emergency action already taken to protect the public after its condition deteriorated.
Torbay Council confirmed it was granted a Consent Order by the Magistrates’ Court on 25 June, allowing full demolition to proceed. Specialist contractor Gilpin Demolition, which carried out the initial emergency works, has been appointed to complete the demolition.
Preparatory work is now underway, including approval of the demolition plan, verification of a 2023 asbestos survey and the disconnection of utilities. Subject to these and other requirements being completed, demolition is expected to take around six weeks.
The council said it had worked with the building’s owners throughout the process to reach the agreed outcome without delaying the works.
Councillors say the intervention demonstrates their willingness to use legal powers where privately owned buildings present an unacceptable danger to the public.
Leader of Torbay Council, Cllr David Thomas, said the situation had caused significant disruption for residents, businesses and visitors.
“The council has now secured the legal authority to move forward with demolition. Our priority is clear: to remove the unsafe structure, reopen Victoria Street as quickly as possible, protect the public, and ensure costs are recovered from the owners rather than local taxpayers.”
He added that property owners have a responsibility to maintain buildings so they do not become dangerous and said the council would not hesitate to intervene where public safety is at risk.
The council has confirmed that all costs associated with the emergency response and demolition will be recovered from the building’s owners, meaning there will be no cost to local taxpayers.
While demolition takes place, Paignton town centre will remain open and accessible. Existing road diversions and public transport arrangements, including taxi routes, will stay in place until it is safe to reopen Victoria Street.
Residents are also being reminded not to enter the building or attempt to bypass security fencing. The council says the structure poses a serious risk due to its condition and has urged parents and carers to ensure children understand the dangers of accessing unsafe buildings.
The long-term future of the site will be determined at a later date through the planning process.
Torbay Council says further updates on the demolition programme will be published as work progresses.
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