Residents, businesses and visitors are being thanked for their patience and support over the summer, as work on the Paignton and Preston Waterfront project moves into its next phase.

The scheme has already achieved significant milestones, with 84% of work now complete at Paignton North and 62% complete at Preston seafront, demonstrating strong progress on a multi-million-pound coastal defence and public realm project.

Paignton North

New lighting columns have now been installed at Paignton North and parking is being reinstated from today, providing welcome access for visitors and helping support local businesses in the area.

To facilitate the return of parking, safety fencing will remain in place on the green side of the Esplanade. As a result, pedestrians will need to use the beach-side path, and those entering or leaving parked vehicles are asked to take extra care. Motorists are requested to travel at no more than 5mph and remain alert to pedestrians on the roadway. Cyclists using the Esplanade route are asked to dismount or use Esplanade Road as an alternative.

Next phase of works

From Monday 21 September, parking along the middle section of the Esplanade will be suspended to allow contractors to accelerate work on the southern section of the waterfront.

During this phase:

• Vehicles will be able to access Pier Approach and turn left towards Paignton North.
• Drivers can park in the reinstated parking area at Paignton North before exiting via Esplanade Road at the Redcliffe Hotel end.
• No vehicular traffic will be permitted along the middle or southern sections of the Esplanade.
• Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout.

This next phase of construction is expected to continue until early January 2027.

Preston Waterfront

Work is also progressing well at Preston, where more than three-fifths of the scheme has now been completed.

The project remains on course for full completion in February 2027, and residents can look forward to the return of the beach huts in time for Easter 2027, helping restore a much-loved feature of the seafront.

Supporting local businesses

We are encouraging residents and visitors to continue supporting businesses along the waterfront throughout the construction period.

Parking is available at Paignton North and at the Victoria Centre, both offering convenient access to seafront and town centre attractions, shops, cafés and restaurants. On-street parking is also available along Preston seafront on Marine Drive.

The remaining two Bike Nights of the 2026 season will be going ahead, with participants able to use the north and restricted areas of the middle section of the Esplanade and exit via Pier Approach or Paignton North. Thanks, have been extended to organisers and attendees for their continued cooperation and understanding during the works.

Councillor Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth at Torbay Council, said; "We're pleased that substantial progress has been made across both Paignton and Preston, with key elements already taking shape and delivering visible improvements to the waterfront.

"The return of parking at Paignton North is an important milestone that will help support local businesses, and we would encourage residents and visitors to continue enjoying everything the waterfront has to offer while works progress.

"We would like to thank the community, businesses and visitors for their patience and understanding. The finished scheme will create an attractive, accessible and welcoming waterfront that can be enjoyed for many years to come."