Eighty three spaces are being provided by the new car park, which is close to Torbay Road, the railway station and the seafront, and will be open 24 hours a day.

A Torbay Council spokesperson said: “This supports town centre access during the busy summer period and ahead of future redevelopment works, while longer-term plans for new parking and regeneration continue.” 

The new car park will help maintain Paignton ’s car parking provision when the Hyde Road Some people have raised concerns about older multi-storey car parks being removed.

Deputy council leader Chris Lewis (Con, Preston) said: “The extra parking will help keep Paignton easy to visit while improvements are made to the town centre. Removing older buildings now means we can move more quickly when building work begins.”

Future plans for the area include around 200 new homes, health facilities, shops and potentially a new multi-storey car park.