Work began in autumn 2025 on our multi‑million‑pound Paignton and Preston Waterfront Scheme. This major public realm and infrastructure project is designed to enhance the waterfront areas while protecting the local community from future flooding and the impacts of climate change.

Alongside construction activity, our appointed contractor Knights Brown is delivering an ambitious social value plan, ensuring the project brings lasting benefits to local people, businesses and the wider community.

Knights Brown has already begun delivering social value activity across Torbay, with a strong focus on supporting the local economy. The scheme has created a range of local job opportunities, including labouring, site administration, security, and cleaning roles. Recruitment has been delivered in partnership with Torbay Foundation for Work, Jobcentre Plus, and our Employment Support Services.

To ensure local businesses remain informed and any concerns are addressed, council officers, in partnership with Knights Brown, host quarterly Business Forum meetings. Running since September, these forums provide an opportunity for businesses to receive programme updates, raise questions, and engage directly with the project team.

Educational outreach is also a key focus for the Knights Brown project team. They started their school’s engagement programme in February, delivering several sessions at Paignton Academy on careers in construction. In addition, they supported an interview skills workshop at South Devon College in March, coaching students as they prepare to enter employment.

Building on their work with local schools and colleges, the team will partner with higher education institutions including South Devon College, Exeter College, and the University of Plymouth, offering site visits, work experience, Groundworker and Civil Engineering apprenticeship opportunities and graduate placements.

To support individuals furthest from the labour market, Knights Brown is working with HMP Channings Wood in Newton Abbot to help people approaching release access careers in construction through enhanced employability support and sustainable pathways into work. We are also playing an active role by highlighting upcoming opportunities across the Bay’s wider regeneration programme, which spans the next decade and will require a significant and diverse workforce.

Beyond the project site, Knights Brown is proud to be supporting key community events across Torbay. They will be sponsoring the Torbay Half Marathon, one of the area’s flagship sporting events. They will also be donating equipment and volunteering at the English Riviera Airshow, reinforcing its commitment to community engagement and local pride.

Cllr Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth, said: “Impactful regeneration goes beyond the physical improvements people can see. Involving and engaging a wide range of people in projects of this scale helps ensure the long‑term benefits are genuinely felt. From inspiring young people to consider careers in construction, to providing employment for local residents, and supporting some of our fantastic community events, we are proud of the wider opportunities this project is helping to create.”

Mike Crook, Divisional Director at Knights Brown, said: “This project is about much more than delivering vital flood defences. We want to make a real difference to Torbay by supporting young people, creating local jobs, backing businesses, and investing in community events that bring people together. From schools and employment programmes to the Half Marathon and the Air Show, our aim is to leave a positive legacy that continues long after the construction work is complete.”