A seaside town recently blasted as a “s***hole” by residents could be on the verge of a triumphant turnaround.
Paignton in Devon was once referred to as the “English Riviera” and acclaimed as one of the most beautiful seaside resorts in the UK.
More recently however, there have been reports of residents live in fear of knife-wielding thugs – some of which are just nine or ten years old.
But as the resort opens the doors to a brand new £30m hotel this week, the area could see the start of a much-needed revival.
The £30m Ibis Styles on Paignton seafront is the latest venture from the Singapore-based Fragrance Group which opened its Mercure Hotel next door last year, reports DevonLive – a combined investment of £70m.
Jason Parry of Ibis Styles Paignton said: “As the first of its kind in the collection, our hotel represents a truly unique offering for Paignton – a fresh, vibrant and playful space where creativity meets comfort with a splash of fun.
“Standing shoulder to shoulder with our neighbour, the Mercure Paignton, this new hotel marks the latest milestone in our mission to put Paignton on the map as a premier UK holiday destination and contribute to the growth of its dynamic hospitality scene.
“With ibis Styles and Mercure leading the way, we are delighted to be spearheading a new era for this South Devon resort.”
The news will be a welcome development for many residents – some of who are increasingly frustrated with the lack of investment in the area.
Salvation Army bandsman Melvyn said he’d seen the town go downhill over the course of his lifetime.
He said: “I’ve been here since 1963 which is 60 years. I’m 80 years old… like everywhere in this country the deterioration is very noticeable now. Lack of maintenance… the council either haven’t got the money or they spend it in different ways.
“When I came here in ’63 the gardens were kept absolutely pristine. There’s a lot of unease around, people are not as relaxed as they were.”
He added: “The parks are now seen as places that are best avoided come nightfall.”
Meanwhile urban explorer Wendall visited the town after seeing the damning descriptions and talked to locals. One said it was “f***ing dangerous” at night.
They added: “You might get stabbed up by children. They’ll stab you for no reason at all and they’re about 12.”
The new hotel venture will create 30 jobs and hopes to contribute to the resurgence of the Riviera town combined with Torbay Council’s promise to improve the promenade and sea defences as part of a seafront masterplan.
You can read more about the plans for regeneration here.
