Bold new Place Vision for Paignton that connects funding and development opportunities

In collaboration with its Regeneration Partners Willmott Dixon and Milligan, Torbay Council have 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.”

Cabinet will be asked to formally adopt the Paignton Vision at its meeting on Tuesday 18 November. The meeting will be live streamed via their YouTube channel, allowing residents and stakeholders to follow the discussion in real time. The full vision document is available to view on the Councils 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.