The former CEO of Bay Education Trust and Paignton Zoo, and the head of local charity SHAAQ Torbay (Sharing Hardships and Answering Questions), have been announced as respective Chair and Vice Chair of the Paignton Pride in Place Board, a £20 million, decade long neighbourhood regeneration scheme for areas including Kings Ash and Collaton St Mary.

Stephen Kings – whose experience also includes serving as headteacher of Churston Ferrers Grammar School and trustee of Rowcroft Hospice – has been appointed as Chair, with local champion and community organiser Natasha Hippolyte as Vice Chair.

Their selections follow an interview process led by South Devon MP Caroline Voaden, Torbay Councillor Jackie Thomas, and John Paul Hedge, Interim Place Manager at Torbay Council.

As independent Chair, Stephen’s first role is to appoint a board, half of which must be people who live or work in the area formerly known as Blagdon and Blatchcombe which will benefit from the Pride in Place programme. This board will oversee how the £20 million funding is allocated.

Once formed, the board will conduct a summer long listening exercise with the community to inform a 10-year vision for the programme as well as a business plan for the first £4 million of funding.

An additional £16 million will be released in tranches over the next decade to support community-led projects that improve the life chances of those in Kings Ash, Collaton St Mary, and other areas in the western edge of Paignton.

A similar process occurred in Torquay after the entire town received funding in the first phase of the government’s Pride in Place programme. After having their 10-year vision approved in March, the Torquay Place Leadership Board is set to begin funding its first activities by the end of the month.

Leader of Torbay Council and member of the Torbay and Torquay Place Leadership Boards David Thomas said: “We are delighted to welcome both Stephen and Natasha to the Paignton Place Leadership Board. They both come with a wealth of experience in their local communities and will be fantastic assets

‘‘This funding is a huge opportunity for Paignton, and we want local people to help shape what happens next. Pride in Place is about more than money — it’s about giving decision-making back to the community and creating a long‑term plan based on what matters most to local people. We’re asking residents, businesses, and community groups in Blagdon and Blatchcombe to get involved, share their ideas, and help guide this £20 million programme over the next decade.’’

South Devon MP Caroline Voaden said: “I am so thrilled to welcome Stephen and Natasha on to the Pride in Place Board as Chair and Vice-Chair. The calibre of candidates we interviewed did not make this an easy choice, but Stephen and Natasha stood out for their professional expertise and deep commitment to the area. I am looking forward to working with them to turn local priorities into a clear plan that delivers tangible change to communities in Kings Ash, Collaton St Mary and elsewhere.”

As well as the aforementioned experience, Stephen has been heavily involved in multiple charity events within Paignton through his membership of the town’s Rotary Club.

Stephen became Chief Executive of Paignton Zoo in 2024 after previously serving as trustee then Chair. Earlier this year, after overseeing the successful sale of the zoo to Dutch leisure firm Libéma, he stood down from his position.

Stephen Kings said: “The Pride in Place funding for Blatchcombe and Blagdon is a unique opportunity for a new and representative Board to initiate and deliver innovative and exciting projects for the local community within those areas. I have worked for many years in and around Paignton and feel privileged to have been asked to Chair the Board and will do everything within my powers to ensure our work produces positive outcomes for everyone over the next few years.”

Natasha has deep connections with the community, having lived there for over 20 years.

She runs the charity SHAAQ Torbay – Sharing Hardships and Answering Questions and has created meaningful opportunities for assistance, inclusion, and positive change.

Natasha has also worked alongside Foxhole Community Centre, helping to provide free meals to children in the neighbourhood.

Natasha said: “I am deeply honoured to have been selected as Vice Chair and look forward to supporting Stephen to deliver this significant investment to our community.

“I hope that by bringing together the views, experiences, and aspirations of our residents the board will ensure this investment delivers impactful, sustainable improvements to our local area.”