Once a beacon of coastal vibrancy, Paignton, a renowned South West seaside resort in Devon, now grapples with a starkly different reality, having earned the lamentable moniker of a “ghost town.” This transformation from a thriving tourist hotspot to a community mired in despondency highlights the complex challenges faced by towns struggling to adapt in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
The prevailing sentiment among long-term residents is one of profound disappointment, largely directed at the local council. Criticism centers on perceived misallocations of funds and the failure of numerous urban regeneration initiatives to materialize or yield tangible improvements. These frustrations are particularly acute regarding the £13.36 million allocated from the government’s Future High Streets Fund, a substantial investment intended to invigorate the local economy and enhance the town’s infrastructure.
Richard Askew, spearheading “Action for Paignton,” articulates a deep-seated exasperation. He points to projects like the “golden mile,” Paignton’s main arcade thoroughfare, where significant consultancy fees were reportedly expended without any discernible progress, ultimately leading to scrapped plans. Such instances fuel the belief that valuable resources are being squandered, further exacerbating the town’s decline and hindering genuine community development.
Askew envisions a strategic pivot for Paignton, shifting its focus from a sole reliance on seasonal tourism towards a more diversified economy rooted in health and fitness. He emphasizes the town’s inherent potential, citing its natural assets for fishing, rowing, sailing, and numerous sports facilities. This forward-thinking approach also encompasses a vital concern for local youth, advocating for initiatives that engage young people to mitigate antisocial behavior, thereby fostering a more positive community spirit.
The high street, once the bustling heart of this seaside town, now paints a “grim” picture, as described by Donald Vaughan, a butcher who has witnessed its steady decline over 37 years. He laments the disappearance of traditional retail outlets, including the once-thriving presence of seven butchers, replaced by a proliferation of less diverse businesses. This shift underscores a broader trend of high street decline, driven by evolving consumer habits and a lack of targeted investment in local economy sustainment.
Echoing these sentiments, maintenance worker Darren Gouldthorpe highlights the prevalence of online shopping due to the scarcity of shops in Paignton. Stephen Smart, a local bed and breakfast operator, acknowledges the difficult market conditions, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive urban regeneration. He warns that without decisive action, the town risks further dereliction, impacting its appeal to visitors and attracting undesirable elements, a common concern in areas experiencing high street decline.
While a pervasive sense of frustration permeates discussions among townsfolk, some younger residents, like Thomas King, offer glimmers of optimism, finding joy in the town’s family-friendly aspects. However, more critical voices from the younger demographic express dismay over the town’s nightlife and limited job prospects, often prompting them to seek opportunities elsewhere. This mixed public sentiment reveals a generational divide in perception, yet a shared desire for meaningful change in this Devon community.
Torbay Council acknowledges the community’s concerns, stating their engagement efforts since 2015 and securing £13.36 million in Future High Streets Funding. They admit to project delays due to external factors and have appointed regeneration partners, Willmott Dixon and Milligan, to review and develop transformational schemes. The council reaffirms its commitment to Paignton’s revitalization, emphasizing ongoing efforts despite challenges faced in delivering large-scale urban regeneration.
Several key projects are already underway, leveraging the Future High Streets Funding to breathe new life into Paignton. These include the meticulous restoration of the historic Paignton Picture House, slated for reopening in 2026, and the Paignton and Preston Sea Defence work, commencing this autumn. Additionally, designs for Station Square Public Realm have been approved, and efforts to restore the Grade II listed Oldway Mansion are progressing. These initiatives aim to create vibrant spaces, diverse housing, and improved transport, ensuring a prosperous future for this South West seaside resort.
