Asbestos removal starts at derelict Victoria Street site, with risk warning to public

A programme to remove asbestos from the derelict building at 62-70 Victoria Street in Paignton will begin on Monday, September 21, with the council issuing a stark warning against anyone entering the site.

Torbay Council said the structure, which underwent emergency deconstruction works earlier this year, will first be fully encapsulated to create a sealed and airtight working environment. Specialist licensed contractors will then remove asbestos insulating board from parts of the ground floor under strict safety controls.

The council said the risk to neighbouring businesses, residents and passers-by would remain extremely low throughout the four-week programme, despite asbestos insulating board being a hazardous material requiring specialist handling.

However, officials issued a strong warning against anyone attempting to enter the building itself, saying this would pose a serious and potentially life-threatening risk. Security fencing has been installed around the site and must not be breached, the council said, adding that disturbing asbestos-containing materials could release dangerous fibres into the air if inhaled.

The warning was specifically aimed at young people and urban explorers. The council said young people were especially vulnerable because their lungs are still developing and they face a longer lifetime in which asbestos-related illness could develop.

Councillor Chris Lewis, deputy leader and cabinet member for place development and economic growth, said the safety of the public, local businesses and workers was the council's absolute priority.

“We want to reassure residents, businesses and visitors that extensive precautions are in place throughout the programme. The risk to people passing the site is extremely low, and the works have been carefully planned to minimise disruption while ensuring this important phase of work is completed safely,” he said.

Work will take place within the secure site compound seven days a week, with weekend activity expected to have minimal impact on the surrounding area. The council said noise levels would be low, with the main sources being the site's welfare unit generator and its power supply, both operating intermittently.

The council said the removal programme would not affect the highway, and existing traffic management, including the single open lane through the area, will remain in place. Pedestrians heading to the railway station, bus station, library, nearby businesses or car parks are being asked to continue using the footpath on the opposite side of the road rather than walking along the highway.

Taxi ranks remain available and signposted at both ends of Torbay Road, and pay-and-display parking continues to operate on the road, with several public car parks within walking distance of the town centre.

Once the asbestos removal is complete, work will continue to bring the remaining structure down to ground level. The council said it hoped this could be done without further impact on the highway or the need for major demolition machinery.

The council said it hoped the owners of 62-70 Victoria Street would now bring forward proposals for the site's future through the planning process, and that it remained committed to working constructively with them to support appropriate proposals for what it called an important gateway site for Paignton.

Any future development, the council said, should complement the town centre, reflect local planning policies and recognise the site's prominent location within a conservation area. It added that the costs of the emergency works carried out earlier this year would be recovered from the owners, so that local taxpayers do not bear the financial burden.