Councillor Nick Kelly, Leader of the Council announced the following:

Plymouth City Council had been successful in winning the opportunity to host Sail GP next year. 

Plymouth City Council had been working in partnership with South Hams District Council and Devon County Council and an outline business case had been submitted to government which would create a Plymouth and South Devon Freezone and unlock millions of pounds worth of public and private investments. The Business case focussed on the City’s engineering and advanced manufacturing sectors and would build on Plymouth’s strengths in the marine and defence sectors. 

The Leader unveiled Haxter Court last month and was priviledged to get a look behind the scenes at Plymouth Argyle’s warehouse which was one of the units. There had been great demand in the city for quality employment space and it was great to see businesses thriving in those units.

The pandemic had a huge impact on businesses, this administration wanted to build back better in Plymouth and had worked hard to support the local economy, helping local businesses and creating and protecting jobs. Plymouth City Council helped to pay out £92 mil in government grants which had supported 7,440 Plymouth businesses.

Local spend had exceeded the target of 10% with £40 million more spent with local businesses this financial year.

10 new commercial units at Plymouth International Medical and Technology park had been completed.

The third phase of development at Header Court on the Langage had started.

Big investments had been secured in the city to create jobs by providing a new hjome for the Valuation Office Agency which opened in September. Marks and Spencers and Aldi would become new tenants at Plymouth’s newest district shopping centre of the former Seaton Barracks.

The pandemic highlighted how critical good digital connectivity was for the city, and the first school in Plymouth was able to access downloads speeds of up to 1 Gigabit per second thanks to the Plymouth and South West Devon Local Fast Fibre Network scheme.

Fishing was at the heart of Plymouth’s economy for centuries Councillor Kelly had been talking with partners and those working in the industry about the exciting plan for a bigger and better fish market.

Plymouth had made progress in the past seven months and had secured £9.5 million for the UK’s first National Marine Park in Plymouth Sound.

The Council had:

Repaired slipways, steps and railings along the waterfront as part of physical improvements.

Installed a new welcome sign below the Citadel, surrounded by wildflowers, and restored some of Plymouth’s landmarks at Gydnia Fountain on St Andrews Cross and the San Sebastian Fountain. Erected a new flagpole on the Council House to fly the Union Jack flag.

Started the third phase of the Improving Plymouth Play scheme, which would see 10 more parks being redeveloped.

Had issued more than 400 fixed penalties for littering and fly-tipping.

Improved safety by installing new CCTV cameras, improving street lighting and ‘help-points. These are stand-alone emergency points put in place as part of a package of measures to make people, especially women and girls feel safe.

Launched a new multi-agency commission to tackle violence against women and girls, bringing together key partners and agencies across the city to review what more needs to be done to prevent these crimes.

Completed work on Millbay Boulevard, progressed the ambitious plans for the railway station, and asked people for their views on the latest designs for this plaza.

Started work on a scheme to refresh and revive Old Town Street and New George Street as part of a multi-million pound investment in the city centre.

We have more affordable homes being set to build thanks to a new agreement with LiveWest, which will see an additional 153 homes in the city.

Delivering on the commitment to prioritise the delivery of a dual carriageway between Woolwell and The George and secured £19.9 million for the Government’s Levelling Up Fund for this scheme.

Secured just under £60,000 to run a number of trial schemes designed to encourage greater uptake of electric bikes in Plymouth.

Opened two new, off-road cycling and walking paths.

Launched the ‘Engines Off for Clean Air’ campaign to reduce pollution outside schools.

Delivered the commitment to provide three hours of free parking in Mutley Plain and had also created a partnership with bus operators to make buses an easier choice for everyone.

Upgraded signals at 16 major junctions across the city to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.

Successful in the bid to create a new Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest.

Would be introducing a new smartphone app to bring Central Park to life for families and would be planting beautiful new blossom trees at Devil’s Point.

Would be welcoming Afghan heroes and their families to Plymouth as part of the Home Office’s scheme to relocate those who worked for British forces.

Agreed a new five year plan to ensure Plymouth’s children and young people have the best possible start to life. The Bright Future Plan set out the vision for children and young people to be healthy, happy and safe as well as having opportunities to aspire and achieve.

Delivered on the promise to change the policy on school absence to support both schools and families when they want to take a holiday in term-time.

Delivered on the commitment to make it easier for people diagnosed with a terminal illness to apply for disabled facilities grant and blue badges.

Launched a new campaign to recruit more Home Care Assistants.