New car park opens at Victoria Centre site in Paignton

A new surface-level car park opens in Paignton this Saturday, 14 June, providing more than 200 spaces at the Victoria Centre site.

The temporary facility is fully accessible and within walking distance of the town centre and seafront. It will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Twelve spaces are reserved for Blue Badge holders, along with designated areas for motorcycles and permit holders. Height restrictions apply.

The Victoria Centre was identified for redevelopment and improvement in the Paignton Town Centre Masterplan (Adopted in June 2015). It also formed part of the Council’s successful Future High Streets Fund bid that saw £13.36million of government funding for Paignton to deliver infrastructure and public realm improvements, new homes and an enhanced cultural offer in the town centre.

Demolition work at the site has been paused until the council gains full vacant possession of all remaining units. Safety hoardings remain in place, including a 50-metre mural by a local artist, commissioned to enhance the site’s appearance.

Due to health and safety concerns related to the remaining structure, a section of footpath running alongside the railway line remains closed. However, pedestrian access is still available from the car park to Victoria Park and via Garfield Road, Torbay Road, or Hyde Road.

Torbay Council says future demolition may allow for additional parking, while longer-term redevelopment plans are being developed with partners Willmott Dixon and Milligan.

Cllr Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth, said: "We have created and opened in time for the main holiday season a new temporary car park in Paignton town centre. On the former multi-storey car park site, the surface level car park is more accessible and inviting.

"As we move forward with our redevelopment and improvement plans for Paignton, we know that maintaining adequate parking levels in the town centre is a priority. Council officers are working on bringing forward a long-term parking solution, ensuring it is delivered before closing any of the temporary car parks."

The council has reminded the public that safety fencing must not be tampered with. The site is monitored by security patrols, CCTV, and police. Any suspicious activity should be reported.