Torbay’s MP Kevin Foster has today (Monday 20th March 2023) welcomed news Torbay Council has finally agreed a demolition contractor for Crossways Shopping Centre, Paignton more than 2 years after the Government awarded £13.4m of capital funding from the Future High Streets Fund for Paignton Town Centre.
Crossways has for years blighted Paignton Town Centre, with many of its retail units having lain empty for a decade or more. Kevin has often joined with local businesses, residents and Paignton’s Conservative Councillors to push for progress, including the compulsory purchase of the site. The final traders in the centre moved out last year following Torbay Council acquiring ownership.
Gilpin Demolition Group has already started work on the site by removing the final fixtures and fittings from the units so work can begin to safely remove a significant amount of asbestos. Much of this initial work has been taking place behind the safety hoarding which was installed around the site at the end of 2022.
Paignton residents will start to see the building finally come down in April 2023, with full demolition works lasting around 28-weeks.
The demolition process is carefully managed to ensure minimal disruption to nearby businesses and residents. Anyone directly affected by the demolition works will be provided with information from Gilpin Demolition Group in advance of any significant works taking place. Prior to any visible works happening, the site must be made safe and any remaining utility service connections must be cut off, capped or rerouted.
This project is one of several projects in Paignton benefitting from £13.36million of Government funding from the Future High Streets Fund in December 2020. Other projects benefitting from this funding include Station Square, Paignton Picture House (Which will also receive an additional £3m of investment from the Government’s Cultural Investment Fund), the Victoria Centre, and Paignton and Preston Seafront Public Realm.
Kevin Foster MP said: “For too many years Crossways has blighted Paignton Town Centre, so it is great to hear it is finally on its way, thanks to funding provided by the Government back in December 2020. Whilst it is frustrating it has taken 2 years for Torbay Council to reach this point, the sight of demolition contractors now on site is one everyone will welcome.”
He added: “What is now needed is for the Council to focus on getting other projects underway where government funding has been available for some time, especially under the Torquay Town Deal and the Paignton Future High Streets Fund. The magnificent example set by the Paignton Picture House Trust, who have been powering ahead with revitalising a historic gem, is a sign of what can be achieved.”
