Residents in Torquay and Paignton are raising concerns over the state of their town centres, citing empty shops and the decline of the local retail environment. As community members debate the future of the area, Torbay Council is moving forward with various redevelopment and housing schemes intended to address the long-term impact of changing shopping habits and the rise of online retail.
In Torquay, the Union Square shopping centre is earmarked for demolition to make way for a new development that includes 100 to 155 homes, a public space, and an NHS treatment centre. The council has committed £11 million of government funding toward this project and aims to attract between £50 million and £60 million in private investment. Meanwhile, in Paignton, the Crossways shopping centre has been demolished, with construction on 91 extra care homes expected to begin in the second half of 2026. To ensure government grant funding is fully utilised, the council recently paused plans for the Station Square redevelopment in Paignton, redirecting those resources to the Crossways project.
The local authority is also addressing the shortage of housing for the approximately 1,600 people on the waiting list in the Torbay area through its Hotels to Homes initiative. This scheme converts derelict or unviable seaside hotels into social housing. The first project was completed in December 2025 at Brampton Court, which now provides 14 energy-efficient apartments, and work is slated to begin on the former Seabury Hotel site mid-2026.
Efforts to improve the immediate day-to-day experience in the towns are also underway. Additionally, starting in April 2026, Torquay will receive £2 million annually over the next decade as part of a £20 million government grant designed to support neighbourhood improvements.
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