New Plymouth Redevelopment

[Robert Stark]

:bash: :cheers:

[RSWB]

There must be something going on in Plymouth.
What about drake circus?
How's that coming along.

[Robert Stark]

I lived in Plymouth for 6 mounths in 2002. I heard about a massive redevelopment project. Does anyony have any pictures or information?

[JamesC]

Drake Circus is coming on slowly, looks totally different around that area now.

[rickster2k]

Are they knocking down that Civic Tower, i heard it had concrete cancer.

A nice new shiny tower would be good there!

[JamesC]

Are they knocking down that Civic Tower, i heard it had concrete cancer.

A nice new shiny tower would be good there!
I doubt it, the civic centre will probably stay there another 50 years until it rots and falls down itself.

People in Plymouth don’t want nice shiny glass tower’s, they want to keep the ugly concrete cancer towers what makes Plymouth look a mess. I don't know why Plymouth People like to keep these towers I sure don't.

[rickster2k]

Well the last time i was in Plymouth (Novemeber) there was lots going on - cranes everywhere - I think I remeber Bovis Lend Lease being the ones constructing Drake Circus.

Only saw a glance of Civic Centre, i looked in a bit of a dilapidated state, if they're going to keep it, at least re-clad it or something, but thats councils for you.

[Munch]

I will take this opportunity to declare myself a plymoutian

[Christopher]

Much is going to happen to Plymouth in the next few years. The city very much missed the boat in the 1990's but this time around I get the feeling it is getting its act together.

The Civic Centre, I believe, is going to stay but with a major (and apparently quite exciting) revamp. An announcement is due this summer.

Drake Circus is due for completion this summer but regrettably was developed on a 15 year old design and I think will look out of date the day it opens. Many views from the outside are of forbidding walls and the whole scheme is too car orientated. See www.drakecircus.com.

There are a number of medium rise (14 story +) developments in the pipeline for the city centre as well as some other major redevelopment projects. This will add to the good work that has already been moving ahead around Sutton Harbour.

The City has developed a masterplan (known as the Mackay plan), which should at least provide development guidance. See http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/homepage/environment/planning/planningdesign/vision.htm#introduction.

Later this year I'd be keen to share a project I am working on with some progressive thinking forumers. I'll be looking for some constructive criticism!

[Robert Stark]

:bash: :cheers:

[gothicform]

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/4190ColinCampbellCourt_pic1.jpg

[Christopher]

^ Yes...that's the development at Colin Cambell Court I believe.

[gothicform]

it is indeed listed on my website as that. how about this one chaps -
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/buildings.php?id=4628

[Andrew]

Hey, I havent seen that one before.

[gothicform]

there's also two 18 floor buildings planned. more info when i get them. thanks for turning me on about plymouth guys, its amazing what you can find when you think of looking.

[Andrew]

Plymouth is a dark horse so to speak, it's not up there with the big boys like Birmingham or Manchester and it's projects are not particularly high profile but there is actually quite a lot going on there. The last few times I've been there I've noticed some pretty significant changes, though none high-rise. Another two 18 floor buildings would make quite a difference to the city skyline.

[Robert Stark]

:runaway:

[JamesC]

:weirdo:

[Christopher]

Gothic your link to http://www.skyscrapernews.com/buildings.php?id=4628 calls this the Drakes Circus tower. This site is currently called The Triangle and has indeed been sold and a tower approved (or so I understand). Drake Circus is another site about 300 metres away opposite the University Campus and next to the new Drake Circus Shopping Mall. Plans have not yet been released (I don't think) although I understand that a tower of some sort is planned for that site too and it is a joint venture one of the partners being P&O. P&O retained an option of the site when they agreed the Mall development.

I myself wanted to buy the Drake Circus site but I was too late.

[Robert Stark]

When I was there in 02' I herd plans about a new airport. Is that still planed?
Any other developmente planed in the surroundings?

[JamesC]

When I was there in 02' I herd plans about a new airport. Is that still planed?
Any other developmente planed in the surroundings?
There has been activity around the airport for a while now; a new terminal is being constructed.

[Robert Stark]

There has been activity around the airport for a while now; a new terminal is being constructed.

I was refaring to plans for a new international airport outside of Plympton. I also herd about a major residential develoment, Beyond Plympton. I also remember new housing construction in the hills above The Hooe.

[gothicform]

thanks christopher. i wondered what it was called and guessed as its 'near'. ill update it. dont suppose you know the architect or developer do you?

[Christopher]

Gothic, I'm afraid I don't know who the developer is but I can try and find out (I'll be in Plymouth next week).

Later in the year I'd be keen to talk to you about a city centre programme I am driving although at this stage I must remain a little coy. As a private (rather than corporate) investor I must avoid showing too many cards! It will be quite big.

Re. The airport. I understand the South Hams airport idea has been shelved (at least for the time being). Much of South Hams is an AONB and development would be difficult. Thankfully the same was concluded with the housing with the emphasis now (quite rightly) on developing brownfield sites in Plymouth first. The current airport at Roughborough is being expanded although it is rather constrained geographically (large cliff / slope at the end of the runway).

[gothicform]

christopher, feel free to talk to me whenever you want about it :) im sure you have my details by now.

[Robert Stark]

:runaway:

[Christopher]

Yes, I have your details Gothic. I'll contact you through skyscrapernews.com in the next few weeks. Pulling my hair out over a few issues right now.

[Robert Stark]

:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

[Christopher]

Well as promised I enquired about The Triangle scheme when I was in Plymouth last week. The building was sold two years ago and planning approval has been granted. However the scheme is currently stalled as the developers are apparently having problems getting the economics of the development to stack up. So I wouldn’t hold your breath for an imminent start.

On a more positive note, Plymouth appeared pretty lively overall with a good smattering of tower cranes and plenty of construction activity.

Re. my project...my concerns of last week have been resolved. I am awaiting a few final inputs before deciding go / no go on the scheme.

[Robert Stark]

Does anyone have any pictures of the new Plymouth redevelopment? Are there any plans for any highrises in plymouth? what about development in other cities in the region such as Exeter?
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

[Robert Stark]

:dance:

[Noostairz]

my favourite development in the plymouth area has to be the almost-total redevelopment of home park, transforming it from a tired old ground into a modern football stadium:

http://www.lutonfc.com/images/guide_plymouth_argyle-ground.JPG

[Robert Stark]

:dance:
:weirdo:

[JamesC]

The weather was terrible last night here in Plymouth.

[Robert Stark]

Any more pictures?

[Robert Stark]

:bash: :cheers:
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

[ranny fash]

^hello, im wasted as well mate.

[Robert Stark]

Is the Pavilions complex being remodeled?

[Robert Stark]

Does anyone have a plymouth construction thread?

[Robert Stark]

Any more plymouth updates?

[Zenith]

u kidding ?

[Christopher]

Guys...I hope to provide you with more information in about 4 weeks.

[Robert Stark]

any plymouth or SW updates? I rember Exeters centre was going to be redeveloped as well.

[Robert Stark]

any updates?

[gothicform]

dude, there was a story on skyscrapernews about this last week. more info when it comes in ...

[Robert Stark]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/content/articles/2005/09/22/drake_circus_feature.shtml

[Robert Stark]

This article is about a year old, any new updates for Plymouth, Exeter, and the SW?

[Zenith]

Before:

http://www.drakecircus.com/image_gallery/image_groups/old_centre/tesco.jpg

http://www.drakecircus.com/image_gallery/image_groups/old_centre/top.jpg




The new Mall, from P&O developments

http://www.propertymall.com/press/images/821460416.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/news_features/images/drake_circus_new270.jpg

http://www.drakecircus.com/press1/pressimages/aerial1.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/content/images/2006/01/20/drake_circus_charlescross1_450x346.jpg

http://www.drakecircus.com/

[Zenith]

New Arts building, under construction, 2007 finish

http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/files/extranet/images/AAH/ROWESTREET.JPG

http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/files/extranet/images/AAH/ROWESTREET%202.JPG

Arts students will enjoy a prestigious new arts complex at Rowe Street on the main Plymouth campus. In addition to total refurbishment and modernisation of the existing Scott Building currently occupied by the Faculty’s School of Media & Photography, there will be a new state-of-the art building designed by internationally acclaimed architects: Henning Larsen. Well known for their work on the Royal Danish Opera House, they are also credited with the Olympic Village in New York.
The building of this site will be the first major project of the distinctive and vibrant ‘cultural quarter’ planned by the University, Plymouth City Council and Plymouth arts Centre for the North Hill area of the city.

To add to this creative arena, the Faculty’s Architecture students will also take residence at the new complex moving from their current home on the Hoe.




“It will not be a site constrained by the academic teaching timetable: Rowe Street will instead become a lively, buzzing public venue, operating 24/7 and hosting public events organised by the Arts Centre and by our neighbours at Plymouth Museum and Art Gallery as well as by the team behind the Faculty's impressive new public art and music programme, Peninsula Arts. The result, we hope, is a vibrant, innovative programme of Arts events which can help to consolidate the university's position as a major artistic force in the region and establish the Cultural Quarter as more than just a concept.”
Professor Steven Parissien, Dean of Arts



http://www.azure-plymouth.co.uk/images/az_gci1.jpg

The spectacular brand new two and three bedroom apartments
and penthouses at Azure are set to become a modern landmark
- the symbol of the regeneration of this historical landscape.

this building will overlook the hoe and is undergoing construction

[Bluegate74]

Plymouth, like Portsmouth are hovells and no matter what you knock down and replace they'll always look like hovells. The people are inbred yokells and walking round these places is like walking round some stalinsit gulag. Not even the sea breeze changes the deadening monotony of a day out in either of these places.

[Christopher]

^ That's a petty dumb statement if I may say so. Urban re-generation and development is a little more complex than that. The same could be said of Manchester and Leeds a few years ago. Plymouth has one of the finest natural settings in the world and together with an outstanding surrounding environment (Dartmoor, National Trust Coastline etc) is well placed to attract new business and investment. It’s about creating the right environment for it. If you know the city take a walk around Sutton Harbour...that's all new money that has been bet on a future and not the views you portray.

[Zenith]

Plymouth, like Portsmouth are hovells and no matter what you knock down and replace they'll always look like hovells. The people are inbred yokells and walking round these places is like walking round some stalinsit gulag. Not even the sea breeze changes the deadening monotony of a day out in either of these places.

you idiot, yes Plymouth city centre isnt very pretty.it used to be far more beautiful, but its natural setting its beautiful beyond belief....and its trying to rise above !

prick

[delores]

well atleast plymouth is trying and I think in the right direction. But yet again its the 60's like birmingham which is to blame for the mess some of our cities are in at the moment.

[Christopher]

^ Glad that you guys share my views. Personally I think that Plymouth is now getting the wave of investment that it previously missed.

We do need to get better though. Drake's Circus shopping mall, whilst clean and crisp is a very outdated concept. Notice the walls and barriers from a lot of the outside. Hardly a model for drawing in pedestrians and humanising the city centre environment. A step forward yes but not a good one. I'd expect this design out of town in a retail park not within spitting distance of Sutton Harbour.

I'll return with news on quite a big city centre scheme soon...awaiting news from the planners ;-)

[Zenith]

Please do Christopher ! :) I just got a brochure through for the Azure elevated apartments building on the Hoe, very interesting !

[Zenith]

bumped, in the hope that someone has something on Plymouth. Ill get some photos at some point.

[jimbogreen]

Hi all!

brand new here (found after a while of googling for various things!) and just thought say hi.

If anyone wants/needs to know about developments in Plymouth and to a lesser extent Exeter and the general Westcountry, please feel free to let me know. I generally keep up to date with new developments in plymouth.

Here is what i currently know:

Trathen Tower - a 22 storey tower, in the area around Derrys Cross. One of the first buildings in the 'Mackey Plan'. See http://www.architects-adg.co.uk/fas.html for more details. Note that that images in colour in the pop up box and at the bottom of the screen are the OLD designs, thankfully the planning dept. had a word with the architects and they redesigned and the current plan is the picture in black and white (scroll right). Much more attractive.

Drake Circus - New covered shopping Mall. see www.drakecircus.com. Not amazing architecturally, but it is needed, and has, seemingly, spurred development city wide.

Drake Circus Phase2 (well, what i've called it) - A residential tower next to the new mall, somehow connected to the mall for 2 levels of shopping plus residential development above. Uni aren't apparently happy as they think it will draw attention away from their new Arts building.

Drake Circus Phase1.5 (again, my name for it) - renovation of the former boots building for retail.

University of Plymouth Arts Building - Very interesting new 8 storey building, designed by henning larsens tegnestue. see http://www.hlt.dk/index2.html then 2003 projects, and also http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/pages/view.asp?page=10583.

Colin Campbell Court - 17 storey retail/residential redevelopment at the west end of the city centre. see http://www.skyscrapernews.com/buildings.php?id=4190 for more details. (good work there whoever does that site!)

Sutton Harbour - 10 storey residential/office development. Rumored to be the new location of the BBC in the South West.

Exeter Street - 9 storey 'Jurys Inn' Hotel. Under construction

Exeter Street - Residential development. 9/10 storey building. http://www.form-design.co.uk/html/lunarrise.html - under construction

Exeter Street - Office Development. see above link. under construction

Coburg St/Armada Way - Horizon Development. 24 storeys. See http://www.skyscrapernews.com/buildings.php?id=4688 (again good people at skyscrapernews!). Current occupants vaccating, so expect development soon.

azure - 8 storey residential building. see http://www.azure-plymouth.co.uk/. £1.5 million apartment sold apparently. nice!

General interesting reading for those interested in Plymouth's future - http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/plymouthvision.pdf

Thats about it for the moment, but as i said if anyone wants any info, i'll try and find out. Also, Christopher, i'm very, very interested in your plans. If you need any local info from a resident, let me know.

James

[JamesC]

Interesting news, any info as to when the Civic Centre is getting demolished?

[DMT20]

Hi guys, not ventured to the Plymouth forum very much but its good to see things progressing in the city of my birth!

Theres a render of this in todays AJ:

A Plymouth architect has made the outrageous claim that a 24-storey tower proposed for the city will soon be compared to the Petronas Tower in Kuala Lumpur and the Sears Tower in Chicago.

There can be little doubt that the Architects Design Group (ADG) believes that its 24-storey proposal (above left) has significant design merit.

‘The… project could become a landmark for the city, taking its place globally alongside other instantly recognisable markers such as Kuala Lumpur’s Petronas Towers and the Sears Tower in Chicago,’ the practice said.

The world-famous Petronas (above right) comes in at 88 storeys high, while the Sears (above middle) has 110.

The practice also claimed that the wedge-shaped tower ‘harks back’ to New York’s Flatiron building, built in 1902, which is one of the earliest and most distinctive skyscrapers.

ADG Director Marc Nash said: “We hope that our visionary work will be welcomed by Plymouth City Council planners, having always believed that it fits in superbly with the ambitious Mackay vision for the city.

‘This is an exciting time for Plymouth – a time to be bold, forward thinking and to make a statement.

‘There is an architectural design movement towards skyscrapers that we are seeing around the world, being led by Asian countries and the Middle East. Plymouth has the potential to become an iconic skyline for the UK,’ he added.

(AJ)

[Zenith]

Oh dear.....oh dear...what idiotic claims..

any renders ? scans ? etc

[gothicform]

ill email marc and ask him. nice to see aj took a press release COMPLETELY out of context.

[Andrew]

LOL, now that's funny!

[Robert Stark]

My Grandparents just got back from Plymouth, and they noticed alot of new buildings and constructions. Does anyone have pics of how the city centre looks now?

[Zenith]

Its much the same as its looked for decades...but yes there are some notable new buildinsgs. Apartments and an office building on Exeter Street for example. The new mall, and the Universitys new buildings.

The new mall is a travesty, as if designed by a schizophrenic..

Im sorry but its the truth...hopefully the future will be brighter with more upcoming development.

[Zenith]

The new finished mall in Plymouth: (officially the worlds smallest mall for midgets)

These are from the BBC, im not sure if im allowed to post them?...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/content/images/2006/10/05/entrance_465x349.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/content/images/2006/10/06/drake_atrium_365x276.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/content/images/2006/10/05/inside_465x330.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/content/images/2006/10/05/entrance2_450x300.jpg

And just to show what weve lost..progress...no

http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/content/images/2006/10/02/drake_circus_ebrington_1900_465x321.jpg

[Andrew]

And just to show what weve lost..progress...no

http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/content/images/2006/10/02/drake_circus_ebrington_1900_465x321.jpg

To be fair, that wasn't knocked down to build this. The Luftwaffe is thank for losing that.

[rottersclub]

well atleast plymouth is trying and I think in the right direction. But yet again its the 60's like birmingham which is to blame for the mess some of our cities are in at the moment.

Why do people always blame the 60s? Most of the cities that were blitzed were replanned in the 1940s and 1950s, and the style of architecture was heavily influenced by the early 20th century European Bauhaus movement!

[Zenith]

To be fair, that wasn't knocked down to build this. The Luftwaffe is thank for losing that.

I know...

[Zenith]

I know...

Why do people always blame the 60s? Most of the cities that were blitzed were replanned in the 1940s and 1950s, and the style of architecture was heavily influenced by the early 20th century European Bauhaus movement!

Because the 1960s are to blame...we had a choice, and greed/ignorance took the lead..

[Andrew]

My only real problem with Plymouth city centre is the build quality of many of the post-war buildings. The masterplan itself isn't bad. If I was in charge of the current regeneration of the city centre, I would build on the existing city plan, my focus would be on replacing the lower quality post-war buildings while retaining the better quality ones. There certainly are some good quality buildings in Plymouth city centre, two I can think of are Dingles and the Royal Bank of Scotland building.
http://ct.pbase.com/g3/54/91454/2/59029281.PlymouthCityCentreDingles.jpg

[T0M]

There are some great post war buildings in Plymouth, Dingles and the RBS building being two good examples. The city centre comes in for a lot of stick, but as Andrew points out, from a planning perspective it was actually quite well designed. Lots of open, predestrianised spaces and a simple but effective street plan. If you've ever tried to walk down the main street in Exeter on a Saturday morning (or any of the 'Ye Olde' shopping centres around the country) you'll realise that, lovely buildings aside, it's a nightmere from a purely logistical standpoint. At least they got that right in Plymouth (although I do object to the miles of subways and highly prescriptive road crossing points). If they can replace some of the more shabby buildings and attract a few more major retailers this centre could really thrive.

[jimbogreen]

Hi!

a quick update on Plymouth developments.

If anyone wants/needs to know about developments in Plymouth and to a lesser extent Exeter and the general Westcountry, please feel free to let me know. I generally keep up to date with new developments in plymouth.

Here is what i currently know:


Project Sky High - New name for the former 'Trathen Tower' project has been sold to Devington Homes by Trathen Properties. On site early 2008

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/6730/fasnh6.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fasnh6.jpg)

Drake Circus Phase2 (well, what i've called it) - A residential tower next to the new mall, somehow connected to the mall for 2 levels of shopping plus residential development above. Uni aren't apparently happy as they think it will draw attention away from their new Arts building.


University of Plymouth Arts Building - Very interesting new 8 storey building, designed by henning larsens tegnestue.

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/1952/rowestreetpu3.jpg


Sutton Harbour - 10 storey residential/office development. BBC now close to taking pre-let, relocating from there current location in a suburb of Plymouth. This has been reported in the press.

http://show.imagehosting.us/show/1836935/0/nouser_1836/T0_-1_1836935.JPG

http://show.imagehosting.us/show/1836938/0/nouser_1836/T0_-1_1836938.JPG

The beeb is taking the 3 story section on the left

Sutton Harbour - 21 storey residential tower.

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/4781/suttonhar3zo0.th.jpg (http://img132.imageshack.us/my.php?image=suttonhar3zo0.jpg)

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/2881/suttonhar4kq0.th.jpg (http://img301.imageshack.us/my.php?image=suttonhar4kq0.jpg)

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/3386/suttonhar5pc4.th.jpg (http://img222.imageshack.us/my.php?image=suttonhar5pc4.jpg)

Exeter Street - 9 storey 'Jurys Inn' Hotel. Under construction

Exeter Street - Residential development. 9/10 storey building. http://www.form-design.co.uk/html/lunarrise.html - nearing completion

Exeter Street - Office Development. see above link. Recently Completed. Dept of Work and Pensions occupiers

Coburg St/Armada Way - Horizon Development. 24 storeys. See Current occupants vaccating, so expect development soon.

http://show.imagehosting.us/show/1836945/0/nouser_1836/T0_-1_1836945.JPG


Thats about it for the moment, but as i said if anyone wants any info, i'll try and find out.

James

[Val Verde]

Noticed on BBC Breakfast this morning that the Civic Centre has become a Grade 2 listed building http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/6238496.stm:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1328/623319229_ed7b7eff41.jpg?v=0

Council in listed status appeal

English Heritage said the centre had "very fine internal decorations"
A Devon council is to appeal against new Grade II listed status awarded to a 1960s office block which it is considering knocking down.
Plymouth City Council wants to move out of the 14-storey Civic Centre which it says is "long past its sell-by date".

The government awarded the status after a request by "more than one person" and advice from English Heritage.

The council has 28 days to appeal against the listing. MP Alison Seabeck has asked for the status to be revoked.

English Heritage says the Civic Centre, opened by the Queen in 1962, is a "very important post war building and is an iconic feature in the centre of Plymouth".

It recommended the listing on the basis that it was a complete set of civic buildings and had an "unusual richness of art work" and "very fine internal decoration".

'Serious implications'

The council opposed the listing when they heard it was being considered several months ago.

This month, Plymouth City Council put forward a firm to develop the Civic Centre site and a new home for its 1,000 staff.


The council plans to lodge an appeal for its demolition

A spokesman said: "The Civic Centre is long past its sell-by date.

"If we are refused permission to demolish the building there are serious financial implications for the council as the Civic Centre is in need of major work to fix structural problems."

The council is now taking legal advice and considering lodging a new planning application for demolition of a listed building.

Mrs Seabeck told the Commons on Monday the listing was "disastrous" and called for it to be reconsidered.

Government minister David Lammy said he would talk to his officials but pointed out that listed buildings could still be updated.

A Grade II listing recognises a site's special interest and warrants every effort to preserve it.




Bit baffling as I can't see any merit externally except for that roof and some interiors have some retro style looks the existing pebble dash and concrete cladding is surely not meriting for listing and looks very poor imo.

Anyway surely instead of demolition of this tower couldn't they just strip it out and convert it into hotel or residential uses or would this somehow be unpossible with the grade 2 listing although they did similar to the Rotunda in Birmingham even though that is also Grade 2 listed?

[Zenith]

What the FUCK !!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS BUILDING IS TEH FUCKING PITS..........Ordinary people with fucking brains despise this piece of shit ! Trust me i worked in it and it is fucking disgusting.

FUck you English Heritage....fuck the small minded pricks who had anything to do with its listing.

[mk61]

Beautiful rant there :rant:

[T0M]

I actually quite like the Civic Centre - looks great on the skyline from a distance with it's oriental roof styling. Would make an excellent modern appartment block, give it to Urban Splash.

[jimbogreen]

it is awful!!!

there is a lot of controversy over this listing, and it will be appealed against in the next few weeks. Even Jack Straw has got involved saying that it shouldn't be listed. I agree that if it had been built to the original design standards it would be worth saving, but it isn't and it will cost £40 million to bring it up to standard. Frankly the site could be much better utilised to the greater benefit of the city, and this has to out-weigh any architectural desire to see it saved.

on other Plymouth related developments:

Project sky high - now called Oceanique. Planning permission given for 22 storys, however the developers are now planning a 30 story building. Designs yet to unveiled.

Exeter Street - Office building open and occupied, Apartments open and occupied, Jurys Inn hotel opening today! (going for a glass of pimms there tonight!)

Sutton Harbour - 21 story tower refused planning permission by Labour led council, Labour lost control in May elections, Tories promising to get it built.

7 Story office building recently given planning permission (between new apartment building 'shephards Wharf' and the new build apartment building and BBC relocation offices.

Zero4 - residential development opposite the crescent. Steel frame almost complete. Due for completion next year.

Millbay - www.cargoplymouth.com first phase of the £300 million redevelopment of this inner city site. Selling well apparently.

Azure - residential development on the hoe. Recently completed. Plymouth's most expensive property was sold there - a penthouse apartment for £1.4 million!

Oh and for those who haven't been back to Plymouth in a while, we now have a starbucks!! (in the mall) another is opening on armada way this summer...Plymouth has at long last joined the civilized world!!! ;)

anything else anyone wants to know, let me know and i'll see what i can find out.

james

[Borras_Hwfa]

it is awful!!!

there is a lot of controversy over this listing, and it will be appealed against in the next few weeks. Even Jack Straw has got involved saying that it shouldn't be listed. I agree that if it had been built to the original design standards it would be worth saving, but it isn't and it will cost £40 million to bring it up to standard. Frankly the site could be much better utilised to the greater benefit of the city, and this has to out-weigh any architectural desire to see it saved.

What were the original design standards? Is Council House included in the listing?

Does anyone know if it will really cost £40 million to repair it, or is that some arbitrary figure the council have come up with to justify selling up and taking the filthy lucre off some developer for yet another "exciting" retail/leisure opportunity?

What Jack Straw doesn't know about architecture isn't worth knowing! I'm well happy it's been listed, it's a fantastic building. Well done English Heritage!

[Robert Stark]

I have'nt been there in 5 years. how has the area changed overal since than?

[Delirium]

^^ was there a couple of weeks ago, from what i saw, barely anything apart from drake circus.

[stevie d]

Been checking out some info on forthcoming big Plymouth developments and found some good images of two in particular - those being the Oceanique tower at Derrys cross and the Horizons tower on North cross roundabout.

Can't post the pics here as they're Flash, but here's a link

http://www.architects-adg.co.uk/

Click on Portfolio/current projects.

Two good looking projects, the Oceanique tower looks to be full steam ahead, begining spring 2008, the Horizons tower however appears to be dead in the water, no news on this for many months now, shame really, as i think it would be good for that part of the city centre.

[Robert Stark]

Hi!

a quick update on Plymouth developments.

If anyone wants/needs to know about developments in Plymouth and to a lesser extent Exeter and the general Westcountry, please feel free to let me know. I generally keep up to date with new developments in plymouth.

Here is what i currently know:


Project Sky High - New name for the former 'Trathen Tower' project has been sold to Devington Homes by Trathen Properties. On site early 2008

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/6730/fasnh6.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fasnh6.jpg)

Drake Circus Phase2 (well, what i've called it) - A residential tower next to the new mall, somehow connected to the mall for 2 levels of shopping plus residential development above. Uni aren't apparently happy as they think it will draw attention away from their new Arts building.


University of Plymouth Arts Building - Very interesting new 8 storey building, designed by henning larsens tegnestue.

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/1952/rowestreetpu3.jpg


Sutton Harbour - 10 storey residential/office development. BBC now close to taking pre-let, relocating from there current location in a suburb of Plymouth. This has been reported in the press.

http://show.imagehosting.us/show/1836935/0/nouser_1836/T0_-1_1836935.JPG

http://show.imagehosting.us/show/1836938/0/nouser_1836/T0_-1_1836938.JPG

The beeb is taking the 3 story section on the left

Sutton Harbour - 21 storey residential tower.

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/4781/suttonhar3zo0.th.jpg (http://img132.imageshack.us/my.php?image=suttonhar3zo0.jpg)

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/2881/suttonhar4kq0.th.jpg (http://img301.imageshack.us/my.php?image=suttonhar4kq0.jpg)

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/3386/suttonhar5pc4.th.jpg (http://img222.imageshack.us/my.php?image=suttonhar5pc4.jpg)

Exeter Street - 9 storey 'Jurys Inn' Hotel. Under construction

Exeter Street - Residential development. 9/10 storey building. http://www.form-design.co.uk/html/lunarrise.html - nearing completion

Exeter Street - Office Development. see above link. Recently Completed. Dept of Work and Pensions occupiers

Coburg St/Armada Way - Horizon Development. 24 storeys. See Current occupants vaccating, so expect development soon.

http://show.imagehosting.us/show/1836945/0/nouser_1836/T0_-1_1836945.JPG


Thats about it for the moment, but as i said if anyone wants any info, i'll try and find out.

James



a highrise in Plymouth?

[Delirium]

University of Plymouth Arts Building - Very interesting new 8 storey building, designed by henning larsens tegnestue.

is this it? (its called the roman levinsky building so maybe im just confusing it because they look similar...)
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w139/aubertonic/1215161698_39e59a49f4_b.jpg

[Robert Stark]

anything new in Exeter?

[calumcstuart]

Hi

The biggest thing in Exeter at the moment is the Princesshay redevelopment, part of which is already complete with the complex as a whole due to open on the 20th September this year.

http://princesshay.com
http://www.exetermemories.co.uk/EM/PrincesshayPhotos.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/content/image_galleries/princesshay_development2_gallery.shtml

Other recent developments include work on the college, a large apartment complex called Isca Place and the new Courts and Office buildings lining Western Way.

Work is also currently underway to complete extensive repaving in the High street and Cathedral Close, including new cobbles.

The next focus of regeneration I believe is to be the infamous (in Exeter anyway) Debenhams building, which I understand looks as though it'll be escaping demolition and having somekind of makeover instead.

http://www.exeter.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=6554
http://www.exetermemories.co.uk/EM/debenhams.html

[Ahmed 69]

Plymouth 2020

The old Drake Circus centre was demolished in 2004
Interior of the new Drake Circus centre a few days after opening.Plymouth is currently undertaking a project of urban redevelopment, the largest since the city was rebuilt after the Second World War. The 'Vision for Plymouth' launched by the architect David Mackay, backed by Plymouth City Council is set to see areas of the city centre demolished, redesigned and rebuilt by the year 2020.

The old Drake Circus shopping centre and Charles Cross car park were demolished in 2004 and have been replaced by the latest Drake Circus shopping centre, which opened in October 2006[12].

The Civic Centre municipal office building in Armada Way became a listed building in June 2007 because of its quality and period features[13] but has become the centre of a local controversy as the council disagrees[14] and seeks to demolish it and sell the site. In September 2007 the city council announced its application to demolish but English Heritage have stated that such applications very rarely succeed. There is a provisional plan to build a new civic complex on the site of the existing Bretonside bus station.

As of 2007, the former Ballard leisure centre, is being replaced with residential and office space along with a project involving the future demolition of the Bretonside bus station. A nine-storey Jury's Inn hotel has opened near Charles Church. Near the Drake's Circus the new University of Plymouth, Roland Levinsky Building is created from stone, glass and copper cladding. Other plans include the demolition of the Plymouth Pavilions entertainment arena to create a 'boulevard' linking Millbay to the city centre. Millbay is also to be regenerated with mixed residential, retail and office space alongside ferry harbour facilities.[citation needed]

[JamesC]

Anyone have any info of the 330ft 31 story tower for derrys cross Plymouth?

[ahmea]

there really building towers there?

[JamesC]

New Skyscraper for Plymouth. :)

330ft, 31 story tower.

http://uk.geocities.com/jimjim23uk/sky.gif

http://uk.geocities.com/jimjim23uk/sky1.gif

[Delirium]

if its anything like that Uni building then its very good news :yes:

[Gherkin]

That'd look cool if the core wasn't showing.

[wallan]

awsome, what will it replace?

[Zenith]

Well done Plymouth, people just do not understand how Plymouth is changing and it is massively overlooked. People will laugh, and I know I did for a long long time but Plymouth may just be the Barcelona of Britain one day....yes I never thought I would say it.

Now if we can kick out the chavs we would really be full steam ahead.

[Delirium]

Well done Plymouth, people just do not understand how Plymouth is changing and it is massively overlooked. People will laugh, and I know I did for a long long time but Plymouth may just be the Barcelona of Britain one day....yes I never thought I would say it.

Now if we can kick out the chavs we would really be full steam ahead.
It has so much potential, far more so than most cities.


but it has alot to work on, the stonehouse-Union street Millbay area needs a serious makeover :yes: and the fact the city has this overall blandness that permeates the air!

i could make a huge list of the problems and potentials of Plymouth!

[Dave_PAFC]

http://uk.geocities.com/jimjim23uk/sky.gif


I'm lovin' that.

Plymouth is a city close to my heart, I wouldn't trade the Barbican and the Hoe for anything (I recall being there overlooking Plymouth Sound prior to our (Argyle) match that day, not a cloud in the sky and it was absolutely stunning) and developments like that above is just what is needed to take it into the 21st century. Considerable progress has been made and long may it continue. Personally I like Drake's Circus and its certainly doing well, the additions to the Uni are very good ones and there seems to be something new happening every day. Hopefully the Horizon development isn't dead in the water as it looks good and is in a prime location, but we'll have to wait and see.

Those in the know, keep us updated on current and potential new developments, its very much appreciated.

[ledge88]

**

[ledge88]

Not seen this posted yet although bit of a job to find where to put it. Would be great to at last see some new high rises in Plymouth.

Spring start for Plymouth tower building

The 357ft (109m) tower development will take about three years to build
Construction of a futuristic 31-storey building in Plymouth city centre could begin next spring.

The £89m Devington Homes Oceanique development near Derry's Cross was approved by planners in May.

Thought to be one of the tallest outside London, the building will include a hotel, flats, student accommodation and space for businesses.

The centrepiece will be a 357ft (109m) curved tower which developers believe will transform Plymouth's skyline.

The scheme is expected to take about three years to complete.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/8425899.stm

Some more information can be found here; http://www.architects-adg.co.uk/portfolio_mixeduse_oceanique.html

[tg1980]

From the Plymouth Herald - Oceanique development - 31 floors

http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/Work-started-163-89m-project/article-1691375-detail/article.html

Work is started on £89m project
Monday, January 11, 2010, 12:35

39 readers have commented on this story.
Click here to read their views.

AN £89MILLION development that will transform the Plymouth skyline has begun in the city centre.

Demolition of the old TSW television studios and Foot Anstey offices at Derry's Cross started shortly before Christmas.

Two hotels, student accommodation and shops will rise in its place, with a 31-storey tower block at the heart of the scheme.

"It will help the renaissance of Plymouth, which did falter slightly with the recession," said Lawrence Butler, managing director of Falmouth-based Devington Homes.

Demolition is expected to be finished by early April. Ian Hurst, demolition manager at contractors Ashcroft Group, said the icy weather had delayed work.

"The next thing will be to dig a great big hole in the ground and start pouring concrete into it," Mr Butler said. "It'll be this time next year before that reaches the level of what will become a boulevard through the development, and we can start building upwards."

The first building to be finished will be a 170-bed five-star hotel on the Crescent, followed by a budget hotel with 140 rooms.

Devington Homes will also build 182 student apartments.

The last piece of the project will be the tower, which will contain 109 apartments for sale on the open market, with shops underneath.

The project was given the go-ahead in May, under the city's Market Recovery Action Plan, designed to kickstart developments stalled during the recession.

The scheme replaced an earlier version incorporating more luxury apartments and offices.

"The original scheme would never have worked," Mr Butler said.

"We're about 18 months behind, but I'm thankful for that. I wouldn't want to have started the original scheme, which was mainly residential, only to be hit by the recession."

Mr Butler said the five-star hotel would be a significant part of Plymouth's offering as a potential World Cup host city in 2018, and that he had been part of the city's successful bid for the honour.

At 500,000sq ft, it is Devington Homes's biggest single project.

Mr Butler praised Plymouth City Council, whose Market Recovery Action Plan had helped to get the project to the starting line. "Without that we probably wouldn't be pushing ahead," he said. "They've given me and my bankers a tremendous amount of confidence."

The Market Recovery Action Plan relieves the developer of some obligations to pay for affordable housing and other community benefits, saving Devington Homes about £500,000. Any pre-tax profit in excess of 12 per cent will be clawed back by the city.

"I was delighted to achieve unanimous support from councillors," Mr Butler said. "I'm bursting with excitement to start building."

Ian Potts, managing director of Plymouth architects ADG, said it was his firm's biggest project yet.

"This will provide a balance in the south-west corner of the city centre to the Drake Circus development and will help to generate a vibrant quarter," he said.

"The height of the tower has posed quite a challenge because this is a fairly severe weather location."

City council Cabinet member Ted Fry said: "It's an amazing project and great credit to Devington.

"They're a go-ahead company and they're placing an immense amount of confidence in Plymouth.

"This is a signal that we're open for business. Success breeds success."

"Thirty-one storeys is just what we need. Plymouth can't always expand outwards – but we can go up."

Mr Fry said he welcomed the addition of a five-star hotel to Plymouth's visitor offering.

"Devon and Cornwall, within easy reach of Plymouth, already has more hotel beds than probably anywhere outside London," he said.

PROJECT: Grand progress

DEVINGTON Homes is also converting the former Grand Hotel on the Hoe into luxury apartments.

Mr Butler said work was going well and should be finished by the end of the year. Prices range from £235,000 to £1.5million.

“Seven out of 24 units have already been sold, all at the asking price,” he said.

“I’m holding back the whole of the top floor, until it’s complete and people can see the apartments.”

[tg1980]

Does anyone know if the Horizon development near the train station in Plymouth has actually been cancelled or has it just been on hold for last year or two because of the recession?

[tg1980]

Tuesday, February 02, 2010, 07:00

LIFE could be breathed into a major city centre site as plans are put forward for shops and a 13-storey block of student accommodation.

Plymouth City Council has received a planning application for the redevelopment of the former Woolworths store in New George Street.

The scheme by Liverpool and Victoria, would see the store demolished and 608 student apartments built with cultural facilities, shops, restaurants and offices.

The application is currently being registered and will come to the city's planning committee shortly.

Cllr Ted Fry, Cabinet member for Planning, Strategic Housing and Economic Development, described the plan as of "high quality" and would include a walkway to Cornwall Street.

"This is the first Woolworths site in the country to be re-developed on this scale. It will bring life to the city centre in the evenings; something we desperately need.

"This is a great pointer to the future prospects of Plymouth City Council and we now have a name as a place where developers are welcomed.

"We are realistic that developers are going through tough times. But if you're going to develop anywhere, Plymouth is the place to be."

He added that with schemes such as these, students could relocate into the city centre allowing for a better quality of life for some family households in other areas.

Vivien Pengelly, the council leader, said: "This represents another significant potential investment as part of the next stage of city centre regeneration."


http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/Plans-redevelopment-old-Woolworths-site/article-1790169-detail/article.html

[tg1980]

Turf cutting marks start of work on Plymouth's new Life Centre

Plymouth City Council Leader Vivien Pengelly and Neil Sherreard, Divisional Managing Director for Balfour Beatty, will cut the first turf on the site of the city's new Life Centre today.

The turf cutting marks the start of work on the multi-million pound leisure facility following the signing of contracts with the construction firm on Monday 1 February.

Councillor Pengelly said: "This is such an exciting day for the Council and for the people of Plymouth, who have waited a long time for a top-class sport and leisure facility to be built in the city.

"The Life Centre is our biggest ever investment in leisure facilities and we are proud of the hard work that has gone into ensuring it will benefit people of all ages and all sporting abilities. It will offer something for everyone, from training sessions for our most talented sportsmen and women to beginners' fitness classes; from mother and toddler swimming lessons to disability bowls.

"We look forward to seeing work start on what is one of the city's most eagerly awaited and exciting projects in many years."

Balfour Beatty is one of the world's largest construction companies and is already involved in a number of sports and leisure projects including the London 2012 Aquatics Centre for the Olympic Delivery Authority, the completed Sunderland Aquatic and Wellness Centre for Sunderland City Council and the Victoria Park swimming pool complex in Hong Kong for the Hong Kong Government.

Its contract will also include the demolition of the Mayflower Centre and Central Park Leisure Pools when the new Life Centre opens in 2011, as well as the forthcoming demolition of the skate park (which is being replaced with a new one nearby).

Neil Sherreard said: "The ceremonial turf cutting marks the end of a long road and the beginning of a new one. All the plans are now in place and we are looking forward to working on a facility that will provide a wide range of leisure activities for everyone in Plymouth to enjoy. Very shortly the city will start to see the long awaited Life Centre leisure complex literally coming to life."

The Life Centre is designed to meet the city's sporting needs well into the 21st century and will offer affordable sessions aimed at increasing participation in sports and improving the overall health and fitness of local residents. Providing a regional facility of this quality is also key to wider regeneration plans for Central Park and will help to attract further investment into Plymouth.

Work on the centre is scheduled to be completed in September 2011. The Mayflower Centre and Central Park Leisure Pools will remain open until building work is complete.

Story here: http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/homepage/newsandviews/newspage/newsreleases.htm?newsid=218621

More info on the life centre: http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/homepage/leisureandtourism/sportandrecreation/lifecentre.htm

[cardiff]

Heared today that plymouth naval base is being shut down, is this true?

[tg1980]

Heared today that plymouth naval base is being shut down, is this true?

I think the Green Paper on defence issued by the gov't doesn't mention Devonport specifically. I believe that is where the latest set of rumours are coming through.

Nothing official yet from the MoD, remember two of Plymouth's MPs are Labour (one with a majority of only 4000). Won't be any decisions on the future of naval bases before the election though.

[tg1980]

CREATIVITY is driving confidence in Plymouth's construction industry and helping to haul the city out of recession, say planning chiefs.

With work getting under way on a number of ambitious projects in the city, planners and developers agree the future is looking bright.

Builders are currently moving into Central Park, where the first turf has just been cut for the £46.5million Life Centre, while contractors have also begun work on an £89million, 31-storey tower for Derry's Cross that will transform the city's skyline.

Housing projects – which have been hit hard by the economic downturn – are also gathering pace again, thanks in part to council and Government schemes designed to kick-start those which had ground to a halt.

Now city planning chiefs say the 'invitation to aspire' sent out by architect David Mackay in his Vision for Plymouth is finally being answered, despite the testing economy.

"The credit should go to the developers, who are making brave decisions in what is still a fragile market," said Paul Barnard, Plymouth City Council's assistant director of development for planning services.

"I don't think we can be complacent, but their confidence is improving and they're confident the economy is beginning to turn.

"There are always 10 reasons why you can't do something, but we've got to get that can-do attitude – and I think Plymouth is showing all the signs that it's ready to do that.

"Maybe the recession has driven that. Suddenly people start thinking in much more creative ways, and maybe that's what happened."

Development giant George Wimpey's regional managing director Colin Palmer agreed.

"Sales at our Plymouth developments have been steady, but of course the economy has had an impact," he said.

"I certainly feel there's a little more confidence in the air now, and there are some exciting opportunities for the future."

Government initiatives such as its Kickstart programme, designed to provide cash to sites where work has stalled, and Homebuy Direct, which helps first-time buyers get on to the property ladder, have had a clear impact: and the council introduced its Market Recovery Action Plan at the end of 2008, relieving the developer of some planning obligations and therefore speeding up work.

Mr Barnard said this 'innovative response' had already provided a £1.4million boost to the local economy, and helped the council smash its target of building 1,000 homes last year.

"There's a careful balancing act," he added, "but we think we've struck the balance quite well.

"The fundamentals haven't changed, but now Plymouth is delivering what it said it would deliver. The delivery is challenging and the economy is fragile but there are a lot of sites out there where work is now going ahead. The long-term game-plan is already in place; it's just the final bits of the jigsaw. What developers can see is Plymouth is open for business."

http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/Construction-work-downturn/article-1814186-detail/article.html

[tg1980]

THE stalled £335million regeneration of Millbay Harbour is getting under way at last – but without a planned showpiece hotel.

Work will begin next month to dredge the inner harbour and repair the crumbling quays, but eye-catching plans for a five-star hotel on the historic Clyde Quay look likely to be ditched.

A £4.5million injection of cash from the Government's Homes and Communities Agency will allow infrastructure work to go ahead on the 19.5-acre site, opening the way for the scheme to take off as soon as economic recovery arrives.

The dredging, which will remove 40,000 cubic metres of material, is designed to do away with the need for a rising cill to keep water levels up in the inner harbour.

Two blocks of apartments – Cargo and Phoenix Quay – have been the main signs of progress on the site up to now.

Cargo is mostly occupied, but the Phoenix development by Midas Homes was stalled until an injection of Government cash breathed new life into the project last week.

During a tour of the site last week, English Cities Fund (ECf) project director Robert Poole said: "We are reviewing the masterplan for Millbay and the hotel is under review."

He said a hotel was unlikely to be viable. Instead, ECf hoped to build more housing on the quay to fund the development of the rest of the site.

Plans for a rising cill or lock-gates had been dropped because of the high cost of installing and maintaining them, said Mr Poole, but the inner harbour would be dredged to give at least a metre of depth during the lowest tides. Parts of the harbour would be three metres deep at the lowest tide, allowing bigger yachts to stay afloat.

Clyde Quay would be raised by 1.5metres because of fears about flooding and rising sea levels, and the end of the quay demolished and rebuilt.

Historic walls around the inner harbour would be repaired, and sloping stone revetments built on part of the southern side of Clyde Quay and the northwestern corner of the harbour.

Cllr Ted Fry, the city council's Cabinet member for planning and regeneration, welcomed the revival of the Millbay project.

"It's absolutely wonderful," Mr Fry said.

"It's understandable that we have to review the masterplan. The more a scheme is delayed, the more likely you are to need changes."

Mr Fry said the council was doing its part to push the scheme along by getting work started on the new Life Centre in Central Park.

Once the Life Centre was completed, in September next year, the council would be able to demolish part of the Pavilions, allowing the creation of a new boulevard to link Millbay to the city centre.

Mr Fry said he believed there was a good chance that a plan by Associated British Ports to build a cruise liner terminal at Trinity Quay, to seaward of Clyde Quay, would become a reality.

Duncan Cumberland of ECf said: "We'll have to have a chat with the city council about the hotel.

"There are all sorts of issues about having a tall building on the quay. Parking is one."

He said the plan for the quay included a boardwalk over the revetments.

"If you have restaurants and bars along the quay, how do you service them?" he said. "You want pedestrians to be king, but you still need the barrels of beer coming in."

Mr Cumberland said the infrastructure work should be completed by towards the end of this year, with the first building starting early next year.

The Millbay regeneration scheme envisages 1,200 homes, plus new shops, parks, and play areas, creating 1,500 jobs.

The Government has pledged £7.8million to help with the scheme through the recovery, in addition to a £38million programme to build 530 new council homes by 2011, of which more than 300 will be available for first-time buyers.

The city council says it is hoping to create a leisure destination for the South West, with waterfront bars and restaurants and a 'continental-style' boulevard bringing visitors down to the harbour.

http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/Harbour-work-starts-hotel/article-1812170-detail/article.html

[tg1980]

For anyone who is interested here is a link to one developers website for the regeneration of Millbay (its a harbour directly to the south west of Plymouth city centre with over £2 million sq ft being redeveloped and nearly 1500 homes).

http://www.cargomillbay.com/?gclid=CPje94Gd958CFUYB4wodzCquXQ

Plymouth is a bit off the radar for alot of people (some of them in government!) due its isolation and relatively poor transport links but they seem to have a very pro active planning department and are ahead of most authorities in their production of Local Development Framework and related planning documents (area action plans etc)

The regeneration of Millbay is part of a wider regeneration involving large parts of the city centre (extensively bombed during WW2 and redeveloped in the 50s and 60s based on a plan by Patrick Abercrombie). Alot of the work done by the planners that is slowly becoming reality is based on the "Vision for Plymouth" by Barcelona architect David Mackay. The document was published in Nov 2003 but is a very interesting read still.

It can be downloaded from the Plymouth city council site:

http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/homepage/environmentandplanning/planning/planningpolicy/planningdesign/vision.htm

[tg1980]

THE money from the sale of Plymouth Citybus could be used to build a new council HQ at Bretonside.

The council made a profit of about £19million by selling its shares in Citybus to the national transport operator Go-Ahead for £20.2million at the end of November last year.

The money could be used to transform Bretonside coach station, the city's universally loathed eyesore.

Council chiefs are considering putting the money into a new, smaller and more efficient Civic Centre at Bretonside coach station as an "Invest to Save" scheme.

Millions cut from the running costs would be recycled for new projects.

The city would also be spared around £40million for refurbishment.

Council plans to demolish the crumbling Sixties building were abruptly scuppered in 2007, when the Government slapped a Grade 2 listing on the Civic Centre and Council House.

The Herald was given a tour of the building at the time and witnessed crumbling concrete in the "butterfly" roof and evidence of water leaking into offices.

Staff said they had to wear their overcoats at their desks in winter.

Cllr Ian Bowyer, the city's Cabinet member for budget and finance, said this week: "The next financial year is the last opportunity to put the council in the best position to weather the coming economic storm.

"We need to get a bit more strategic about how we spend some of this money.

"We will try to bring forward some Invest to Save projects that will deliver savings in future years so we can continue to deliver frontline services.

"The scheme we're beginning to focus on is new council accommodation because it seems the savings would be significant and the payback time short."

The council will be able to get by with less office space because staff are beginning to use a new "hot-desking" way of working. Already in the finance department there are only eight desks for every ten staff.

Mr Bowyer said the investment would save money by being significantly cheaper to run than the existing Civic Centre.

"It's an energy-hungry building and the world has moved on since it was built in 1962.

"It still has the original glazing and the original heating. When it was built, no one had a mobile phone or a computer.

"In five years from now we are facing a huge refurbishment bill. In 2007 that was calculated at about £40million."

Mr Bowyer said savings would go back into the pot to be recycled.

Barry Keel, the council chief executive, called for the cross-party support of all 57 city councillors if the decision is made to invest the Citybus money in a new council building.

"We are in a position where we do have some funds to make that change. That's probably the first time we have been in the position since I have been in Plymouth."

A council spokeswoman said: "We are not considering any design for Bretonside at the moment."

Labour group leader Tudor Evans branded it as "a political game".

"We are always interested in ways of saving money as long as they are sustainable," he said.

"But these plans are pie in the sky and so it would be inappropriate for me to comment on them.

"I've been saying since 2004 that we could save money by moving, but nothing has changed and nothing has moved forward."

http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/Citybus-cash-new-HQ/article-1848569-detail/article.html

[tg1980]

http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/Site-work-starts-region-s-tallest-building/article-1862747-detail/article.html