Paignton landmark disappearing fast as Station Square demolition reaches final phase

Landmark buildings in the centre of Paignton are disappearing fast as a demolition project enters its final phase.

The row of buildings in Station Square has been painstakingly dismantled in a project that has lasted since the end of May.

Demolition experts are now bringing the buildings down to ground level.

The final phase in the saga of Station Square began in May when the road through the town centre was closed for public safety when masonry began to fall into the road below.

The frontage of the buildings, which included a derelict former nightclub, a popular pub, a phone shop and a takeaway, had been allowed to deteriorate for years.

The road has been restricted to a single lane throughout the project.

Work to safely remove asbestos-containing materials has been the latest phase of the work, with the structure sealed off to create a secure and airtight working environment.

Specialist licensed contractors removed the materials from parts of the ground floor under strict safety controls and monitoring procedures.

Torbay Council says it now hopes the owners of the row of buildings – locally-based Solanki Holdings – will bring forward proposals for the site’s future through the planning process.

Any future development should complement the town centre, says the council, as well as reflecting local planning policies and recognising the site’s prominent location within a conservation area.

The council also stresses that the costs associated with the emergency works carried out at the site will be recovered from the building’s owners, ensuring that local taxpayers do not bear the financial burden.