Devon to get new conference centre

Paignton Pavilion proposed to replace pub

A Paignton seafront pub which was scheduled to be knocked down and turned into a car park is to be transformed into a new conference centre instead.

Owner the Fragrance Group today unveiled the plans for the Inn on the Green, which is next door to the group’s two new hotels on the seafront.

The once-popular Inn on the Green has been derelict since it closed in September 2024, but will now be bulldozed to make way for the new ‘Paignton Pavilion’ centre.

The wraps will be taken off the detailed plans for the first time at an exhibition and consultation event in Paignton next week.

The Fragrance Group, which is owned by Singapore-based billionaire Koh Wee Meng, recently completed Hotel Indigo on the site of the former Corbyn Head Hotel. It also built the Mercure and Ibis Styles hotels on Paignton seafront.

There was an outcry last year when the group suggested turning the Inn on the Green site into a car park, but the latest conference centre plans have been more warmly received by local people on social media.

One comment read: “Excellent idea. It’s what the two hotels need and what Paignton needs. For once a reason for conferences to return to Paignton.”

Another added: “How great is this for the area? Really modern, which is what Paignton desperately needs, it’s really starting to look great.”

Martin Rogers, the Fragrance Group’s UK representative, said: “As long-standing global developers of hotels and facilities for visitors we believe Paignton has great potential and we are keen to continue the work already undertaken on the seafront.

“It is so important to gain the views of local people and we’re hoping as many as possible will come along to the event to see what is proposed and share their views.”

The consultation takes place on Tuesday March 10 in Deller’s Café at the Ibis Styles Hotel between 4pm and 7.30pm.  All are welcome.

The proposals will also be available to view online at www.paignton-pavilion.co.uk once the exhibition has opened.