Paignton Pavilion reactions range from ‘radical’ to ‘rubbish’

People in Paignton have taken their first look at plans to transform a derelict seafront pub into a new conference and events centre.

Investors the Fragrance Group plan to knock down the old Inn on the Green and replace it with the new Paignton Pavilion – a year-round venue for conferences, exhibitions and various other events.
Given a smooth ride through the planning process, the new centre could be open for business in Spring 2028.
Locals examined the preliminary plans during an open event at the next-door Ibis Styles Hotel, which was also built by Fragrance along with the Mercure Hotel alongside.
Fragrance has also just completed the Hotel Indigo at Corbyn Head. The company originally planned to flatten the Inn on the Green to create a car park, but reconsidered the proposal after a public outcry.
Some people at the exhibition had reservations about the design and wondered if the 65 car park spaces shown on the plans would be enough. Others said the bold design was just what the town needed and other local businesses would benefit from the people coming to town to use the Pavilion.
Architect Chris Kenny of Torquay firm Kay Elliott said the new building was part of a bright future for Paignton.
“It is directly opposite the pier, which is one of the main destinations in this area,” he said. “So providing a flexible, functional event space that can cater for locals and tourists alike really helps the council achieve its dreams of creating a vibrant and prosperous town.
“People have been coming in and saying it would be the perfect place to host weddings, or a jazz festival or rock choirs. All these people are coming out with ideas about how they could use the space.
“That gives us a lot of positive encouragement for its future.”
The design for the new building incorporates parts of the old Inn on the Green, which was once one of the town’s most popular pubs. Sandstone walls and art deco lights will be retained, as will the site’s iconic palm trees.
“People are telling us to tear the building down as soon as possible and get on with it,” said Mr Kenny.
Paignton Pier owners Shaw and Jolene Wallis were among the first people through the doors to look at the plans. “I think it looks good,” said Mr Wallis. “It will definitely benefit Paignton and the wider community.
“It’s not going to please everybody, but they’re going to have to do something with the site. This is something different for Paignton. Give it a go and let’s see what happens.”
Another early visitor said the plans were ‘radical’, but some people had concerns over parking and the likely benefits for other local businesses.
“Rubbish,” said guest house owner Victoria Smith when asked about the plans. “I don’t like them at all. They’re too big, they’re too square and they’re out of place.”
And fellow guest house proprietor Margaret Green said she thought the only businesses to benefit from the Pavilion would be the hotels next door.
“It’s not going to be open to the general public at all, so nobody in Paignton will be able to go in there and use the facilities,” she said. “It would be for the hotels, and that’s it.
“We need something to bring people into the place. There’s nothing here apart from the play park. If it’s raining there’s nothing, nothing here at all.”
Designers say they have been inspired by the heritage of the site and the designs of traditional British seaside ballrooms and pavilions.
Their presentation said: “Paignton from the 1920s leaned into being an accessible, fun, and modern resort town. The evolution of seaside ballrooms and pavilions echoes this development and consequently reflects the cultural and architectural trends of their time.
“Whilst it is not viable to keep the existing building, our ambition is to preserve and enhance the historic boundary treatments and create a building that will lead to future economic and social benefit.”