Work to start on regeneration of Paignton's former Crossways shopping centre

Work is due to start tomorrow on the regeneration of the former Crossways shopping centre in Paignton.

After successfully obtaining the compulsory purchase order on the site, work on the next major project milestone is about to start.

From Monday, November 28, fencing contractors will start to erect 160 metres of hoarding around the site, ready for work to start on safely removing asbestos from the building.

The installation of the hoarding will mean there will be no through access for pedestrians between Hyde Road and Torquay Road.

It will take around two weeks for the contractor to install the hoarding, after which it will be wrapped with information about plans for the site as well as wider regeneration works and initiatives happening across Torbay.

Asbestos surveys have already been undertaken, with most of the units already been stripped out of their ‘loose’ fixtures and fittings.

As internal demolition work starts, appointment of a building demolition contractor is under way, with the intention to begin full demolition works in late January.

Once full demolition starts on site, works are expected to take approximately 30 weeks.

Planning permission has already been granted for the site to provide approximately 90 extra care and sheltered housing units and commercial space on the ground floor for businesses.

Torbay Council's wholly owned company TorVista Homes Limited will own the homes once they are complete and be available as affordable housing for local residents.

Upon completion, it is intended that the development will not only provide much-needed housing for local people but also rejuvenate the economic viability of the area that will attract businesses back into the town.

Cllr Darren Cowell, deputy leader of Torbay Council, said: “Like the community, we’ve waited a long time for works to begin on this project and its fantastic news that we will all start to see physical changes happen.

“For many years the site has had a negative impact on the town centre but we are edging ever closer to developing attractive residential, retail and employment space.”

Cllr Swithin Long, Cabinet member for economic regeneration, tourism and housing for Torbay Council, said: “It’s been a complex process for the council to get full vacant possession of the site after successfully securing the compulsory purchase of the building.

“With many challenges in the construction sector, we are delighted that we have been able to finally get to the demolition stage, and ultimately one step closer to delivering high quality suitable homes for local people that meet their specific care and support needs.”

On Boxing Day 2020, it was announced that Torbay Council had successfully secured £13.36m of Future High Streets Funding for the transformation of Paignton town centre.

Projects benefitting from this funding include Station Square, Torbay Road, Paignton Picture House, the Victoria Centre, and Paignton and Preston public realm.

A council spokesman said: “This is an exciting time for Torbay with a number of multi-million pound projects happening across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. Investment in Torbay’s towns, local economy, transport, infrastructure, culture and heritage will provide residents with spaces to thrive and future proof the area for generations to come.”