The rise and fall of Paignton's grand Victorian buildings

Two grand Victorian buildings in Paignton that are sometimes overlooked are Baileys Hotel in Station Square and the Emporium at the junction of Winner Street and Totnes Road.

Baileys Hotel was built in 1894 by the Bailey family to house the increasing number of visitors arriving by train. 

The hotel was one of the first things visitors would see when leaving the station. 

It was a beautiful building designed by architects Couldrey and Bridgeman and was designed to look impressive and inviting. 

Some people felt it was even more impressive than the slightly older, larger Gerston Hotel built to the right of the station. 

However, although still standing, Baileys Hotel has not aged well. Housing at various times the Tropicana Nightclub, Nicks Repository and various other clubs and pubs. The upper floors have been converted into offices and, at one time, a ladies hairdresser.

Above: Historical Baileys Hotel

Now in a state of disrepair, numerous ideas have been put forward for its future. A block of flats, a community centre work hub, and retail units have all been considered. In the meantime, the building continues to deteriorate and is something of an eyesore. Sad when you think how iconic it was considered to be in the past. Many hope that the building can at least retain its façade.

The Emporium has fared a little better, despite housing several shops and being in a much better state of repair than the hotel. 

This was also built by the Bailey family and was believed to have been used originally as an outlet for blue chinaware arriving from Paignton Harbour. This business was probably run by the builder Henry Bailey and his wife.

Throughout the years, the Emporium has been home to a butcher, a confectioner, a carpenter, a snooker club, and a funeral director, among many others. 

Today the Emporium is still impressive and looks much the same as the building designed by architects Couldrey and Bridgeman. 

Above: The Emporium today

Old pictures of the Emporium are difficult to find, but looking at one taken recently, it's easy to see the original features of the building, which are trademarks of the designers.

Paignton Heritage Society comprises a growing number of people dedicated to the history and heritage of Paignton. 

Its recent publication entitled Paignton: Our Home Town, details the history of Paignton from Neolithic times to the year 2000. 

This is a fantastic hardback book written in collaboration with Oldway School and with the help of History lead Nick Harman and a focus group of year 6 children. 

The society hopes to be working with the school on other history projects in the near future.

The society's meeting this month on Thursday, February 20 features a talk by Kevin Dixon entitled Torbay in the Movies, Gerston C Chapel, Torquay Road, 7pm. Watch out for the new Heritage Centre opening shortly in Paignton Library.