Demolition of Paignton town centre buildings to go ahead

The buildings in Station Square have been fenced off since May

The demolition of deteriorating buildings in Paignton town centre is set to get under way in earnest next week. Preparatory works on the buildings in Station Square, which comprise a pub, shops and a takeaway, are due to start this Friday. The demolition itself will begin on Tuesday, July 14.

The square has been cordoned off since May, when masonry began falling from the building’s façade. The main road running through the town centre has also been closed to traffic.

Torbay Council said it was acting in the interests of public safety by securing the site and shutting the road.

Contractor Gilpin Demolition, which previously carried out emergency safety works at the site, has been appointed to oversee the full demolition.

From Friday, its team will be on site to establish a compound and bring in specialist equipment.

As part of the site set-up, the safety fencing line will be extended, but pedestrians will still be able to walk alongside the railway station’s boundary fencing.

The demolition itself will be carefully controlled. Working hours will be Monday to Friday, between 8am and 6pm, with any noisier activities restricted to between 9am and 5pm.

To minimise dust, a water mist suppression system will be used across the working area throughout the demolition.

Subject to progress on site and weather conditions, the demolition is expected to take approximately six weeks, after which the road will reopen.

The building is owned by locally-based firm Solanki Holdings, however concerns regarding the state of the property prompted the council to invoke emergency powers to ensure public safety.

The council says it hopes the owners will put forward future redevelopment proposals that are fitting for the site and in keeping with the area’s conservation status.

Deputy leader Chris Lewis (Con, Preston) said: “Public safety remains our absolute priority, and these demolition works are an important step in addressing a building that has presented significant concerns. We appreciate the patience and understanding shown by residents, businesses and visitors.

“We are committed to ensuring that disruption is kept to a minimum, with pedestrian access maintained and local businesses remaining open as usual.

“Paignton town centre is very much open for business, and I would encourage everyone to continue visiting, shopping locally and supporting the many fantastic businesses that contribute to the town’s vibrancy.”