Watch: Coastal defence work under way at Paignton seafront

Major coastal defence works are now under way at Paignton and Preston as part of a £13.5 million scheme to protect homes, businesses and seafront infrastructure from rising sea levels and future flooding.

Crews are currently installing pre-cast concrete sea defence structures along the coastline, with the project designed to safeguard more than 350 properties over the next 50 years.

The works form part of a long-term plan to strengthen Torbay’s coastline while also improving the look and usability of its seafronts.

The scheme combines stronger sea walls with promenade upgrades, including new seating, improved pedestrian routes and additional planting. Once completed, the changes are expected to enhance the visitor experience and support local businesses, while also providing vital protection against increasingly severe weather and coastal erosion.

Construction is being carried out by Knights Brown, with much of the sea defence structure manufactured off-site to limit disruption. Large pre-cast concrete sections are being transported to the seafront and installed in stages, creating a steady and controlled programme of works.

Despite the scale of the project, both promenades remain open, although sections have been temporarily narrowed to around two metres to allow the works to take place safely. Beaches at Paignton and Preston remain accessible, with some access points adjusted where necessary. Dogs are permitted on the beaches in line with seasonal restrictions.

The project is being delivered in phases, with Paignton’s seafront due to be completed by summer 2027, and Preston’s by spring 2027. No major construction will take place during the six-week school summer holiday period in 2026, although site compounds will remain in place during that time.

Council leaders say the investment is part of a wider effort to improve public spaces, protect communities and support the local economy, as the impacts of rising sea levels and more intense storms become increasingly evident along Devon’s coastline.