Councillor Mark Lowry (Cabinet Member for Finance) introduced the Civic Centre update and discussed:

 

a)     The Civic Centre project had faced delays due to various issues, but these had now been resolved, and the project was progressing positively;

 

b)    The building was now fully secure, and unauthorised access had been addressed;

 

c)     Homes England had confirmed funding of £18.4 million to move the project forward;

 

d)    The first phase of asbestos removal had been completed, enabling surveys and structural assessments to proceed, expected to conclude by February 2026;

 

e)     New branding had been installed outside the building to communicate the vision for redevelopment;

 

f)      Extensive public engagement had been undertaken, with feedback to be shared during the meeting;

 

g)     The building was listed and could not be demolished, making redevelopment essential and exciting for the city.

 

Emma Wilson (Head of Regeneration and Growth), Mark Braund (Architect Director, BDP) and James Harrison (Designer, Atkins Realis) added:

 

a)     The design team brought significant experience in delivering award-winning regeneration projects;

 

b)    Mark Braund had a strong track record in housing and regeneration and was passionate about transforming this landmark building;

 

c)     James Harrison had extensive experience across multiple sectors and had worked on major Plymouth projects including City College and Devonport Dockyard;

 

d)    The project aimed to submit a planning application early in the new year, 2026;

 

e)     The redevelopment would deliver 144 new homes as part of Homes England funding and integrate City College Plymouth facilities;

 

f)      The design sought to remove unsympathetic additions and restore original modernist principles;

 

g)     The podium level would house City College spaces, with residential units above and a proposed commercial use on the roof;

 

h)    The building was classified as high-rise under the Building Safety Act, requiring compliance with gateways and installation of a new lift;

 

i)      Sustainability was central, with reuse of existing assets and integration of modern ventilation and heat recovery systems;

 

j)      The design incorporated the Fibonacci sequence and original architectural language to respect heritage;

 

k)     Proposed homes would be bespoke, space-standard compliant, and include exposed waffle ceilings for loft-style living;

 

l)      The scheme aimed to create vibrant ground-floor activity and improved public realm;

 

m)   A new Blue-Green Skills Hub would deliver training for future industries, including offshore wind, sustainable energy, and electric transport;

 

n)    The hub would offer around 60 courses, supporting 2,000 learners annually;

 

o)    Design drivers included access, active frontages, community connectivity, and integration with the historic building;

 

p)    Plans featured large workshop spaces, immersive digital technology rooms, and atrium-linked classrooms;

 

q)    The ground floor would include a college square, restaurant, and spa operated by the college;

 

r)     Phase zero (asbestos removal and site security) was complete;

 

s)     Structural surveys were underway and due to finish in February;

 

t)     The team was concluding evaluation of the pre-contractor services agreement and progressing through RIBA stages;

 

u)    Public engagement had attracted 13,000 website visitors, 250,000 social media views, and 207 survey responses;

 

v)     66% supported redevelopment, with young people particularly positive;

 

w)   Concerns included cost, value for money, high-rise homes, affordability, gentrification, structural condition, parking, and timescales.

 

In response to questions, the Cabinet discussed:

 

x)     Members expressed enthusiasm for the project and its potential to regenerate the city and deliver economic benefits;

 

y)     The importance of accessibility, including lift provision to the top floor, was welcomed;

 

z)     Suggestions included naming the rooftop café “A Room with a View” and ensuring active frontages to engage the community;

 

aa)  Members praised the integration of learning spaces and the visibility of engineering activities to inspire young people;

 

bb)Officers confirmed plans for an open day in January for members, officers, and press to view the building;

 

cc)  The project was recognised as an exemplar of city living and a catalyst for further development;

 

dd)Tribute was paid to the project team for assembling a £36 million grant package and achieving significant progress within nine months.