We are preparing to begin the demolition of the building at 62–70 Victoria Street, Paignton. Site mobilisation works start on Friday 10 July ahead of demolition works commencing on Tuesday 14 July.

Contractors Gilpin Demolition, who previously carried out emergency safety works at the site have been appointed to undertake the full demolition. Their team will be on site from 10 July to establish the compound and working area needed for the project.

The mobilisation phase will involve bringing welfare facilities and specialist equipment onto site to ensure demolition works (subject to final preparations) can begin safely and efficiently on 14 July.

As part of the site set-up, the safety fencing line will be extended. A pedestrian route will remain in place adjacent to the boundary fencing of Paignton Railway Station, enabling people to continue moving between Great Western Road, Gerston Road, Paignton Library, the train and bus stations, Station Square and the wider town centre.

Businesses in and around the area will remain accessible throughout the works, and residents and visitors are encouraged to continue shopping locally and supporting Paignton town centre businesses.

The demolition itself will be a carefully controlled process. Working hours will be Monday to Friday, between 8am and 6pm, with any noisier activities restricted to between 9am and 5pm. To minimise dust, a water mist suppression system will be used across the working area throughout the demolition.

Subject to progress on site and weather conditions, the demolition is expected to take approximately six weeks to complete. Once the works are finished and it is safe to do so, the road will reopen to traffic, something we are keen to achieve as quickly as possible.

The building remains in private ownership. Following concerns about the condition of the property, we exercised our emergency powers to make the building safe. This action has also provided the legal authority required to undertake the demolition.

We remain hopeful that the owners will bring forward future redevelopment proposals that are appropriate for the site and reflect the area's conservation status.

Councillor Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth, said: "Public safety remains our absolute priority, and these demolition works are an important step in addressing a building that has presented significant concerns. We appreciate the patience and understanding shown by residents, businesses and visitors while these necessary works are carried out."

"We are committed to ensuring that disruption is kept to a minimum, with pedestrian access maintained and local businesses remaining open as usual. Paignton town centre is very much open for business, and I would encourage everyone to continue visiting, shopping locally and supporting the many fantastic businesses that contribute to the town's vibrancy."

For the latest information on the demolition works and any associated traffic or access arrangements, residents are encouraged to follow our social media or visit the dedicated webpage.