Torbay Council confirms Crossways Shopping Centre redevelopment to start this autumn
.jpg?trim=0,74,0,74&crop=&width=640&quality=70&enable=upscale)
The redevelopment of the former Crossways Shopping Centre in Paignton is set to start this autumn, with work expected to be completed by the end of 2029, bringing 91 extra care homes and a new day centre to the area.
One of the questions I am regularly asked when I am out and about in Paignton is, “When are we going to see work starting on the old Crossways Shopping Centre?” It is a site that many residents know well, and understandably there has been a great deal of interest in what the future holds for this important part of our town centre.
I am delighted to say we now have some very good news to share. This autumn, work will start at the former Crossways site, marking an important milestone for Paignton and making it the first project through our partnership with Willmott Dixon and Milligan to reach this stage.
After years of seeing this prominent town centre site standing largely unused, we are finally moving towards bringing it back to life. And what a difference it will make.
The plans will provide 91 extra care homes alongside a new day centre. These are homes designed to help people live independently for as long as possible, while having care and support available when they need it. I think that is something we can all welcome. There is another important benefit too. Having more people living in the heart of Paignton will help support our local shops, businesses and the wider town centre.
Of course, getting there will involve some disruption, and I would rather you understand the new arrangements. The temporary Hyde Road car park will close at 6am on Monday 2 November to allow work to begin. Shortly afterwards, contractors will start preparing the site, installing hoardings and carrying out the necessary groundwork.
I appreciate that losing parking spaces, even temporarily, is frustrating, particularly for those who regularly use the town centre. However, additional spaces were provided at the Victoria Centre earlier this summer, and alternative parking remains available at Victoria, Great Western, Station Lane and Crown and Anchor.
We currently expect the development to be completed towards the end of 2029, and although I know that sounds a long way off, the important thing is that we are now taking those first visible steps towards making it happen. For me, Crossways represents something much bigger than one development. It is a sign that our ambitions for the bay continue to become real improvements that will benefit local people for many years to come.
And while we are looking forward to the future, there is something rather exciting just around the corner. Can you believe that we are now only a little over a month away from the return of our wonderful Bay of Lights? I am not quite sure where this year has gone, but Christmas is certainly creeping up on us!
The Bay of Lights returns on Saturday 28 November, and I am delighted that this year’s celebrations promise to be bigger and better than ever. One of the most popular attractions is our ice rink at Abbey Park in Torquay. More than 17,000 people enjoyed skating last year, and bookings are already open for this Christmas.
This year, the rink will be even bigger, with longer opening hours and a new raised viewing area where friends and family can watch the fun. And, of course, you don’t have to be brave enough to put on a pair of skates to enjoy the festivities!
Our free and fully accessible Illumination Trail will once again light up Torquay’s waterfront every evening from 28 November until 3 January. With 19 major illuminated features and another 11 displays, it should be a wonderful sight, particularly with the lights reflecting across the sea.
There will also be fireworks on the opening night, a Christmas Market at Torre Abbey from 28 November until 20 December, and a Ferris wheel on the Strand. Brixham will be getting into the festive spirit a little earlier, with its much-loved Lanterns, Lights and ’Luminations celebration taking place on 20 and 21 November. With its lantern parade, Christmas market, entertainment, light switch-on and fireworks, it is always a lovely occasion.
And Paignton certainly isn’t being forgotten! A brand-new event called Neon Nights will take place on 4 and 5 December, bringing something different and exciting to the town. We will be sharing more details very soon.
Finally, a little reminder that our popular Christmas parking offer will also be returning. Once again, you will be able to pay for an hour and stay for the day at participating council car parks. Full details will be available on the Torbay Council website. It is a great opportunity to support our local shops and businesses while enjoying everything our three towns have to offer.
There is certainly plenty happening across Torbay, from the long-term improvements we are making to our town centres to the wonderful events that bring our communities together. And I hope that, whether you are watching the first work begin at Crossways or enjoying a stroll beneath the Christmas lights, you will agree that there is much to look forward to across our beautiful Bay.