Work begins on transformation to Plymouth town centre

13 November 2020

Currie & Brown is providing cost and project management services to Plymouth City Council on the regeneration works to Old Town Street and New George Street in the centre of the city.

The project aims to completely transform Old Town Street and New George Street, allowing visitors easier access to the council’s brand-new £50 million leisure complex, The Barcode, and Plymouth’s new cultural attraction, The Box. The taxi rank currently located on Old Town Street will be replaced, with the added capability of being able to serve electric vehicles.

Plymouth City Council has granted permission for British Land, which leases a number of large buildings in the vicinity, to create smaller retail pavilions in the area, allowing smaller businesses to return to the high street. Plymouth City Council will fund the public realm improvements to reconnect the centre of Plymouth with the surrounding countryside.

The old planters will be replaced with islands of trees and lush greenery and native woodland plants will provide a supply of nectar for bees. A new play space with attractive areas for resting are to be created, with considerate tree planting and new multifunctional ‘smart’ columns replacing the Christmas lights. 

Mark Lowry, councillor and cabinet member for finance, said: "Few cities have seen so much investment in such a short space of time. This part of the city centre is looking a bit tired and dated — this will bring a splash of colour and interest which will make people linger longer. We're bringing a bit of our native nature right into the city centre."

Phil Jailler, associate in Currie & Brown’s Plymouth office, echoed the councillor’s sentiments: “The project to transform the area around Old Town Street and New George Street will bring a huge amount of benefit to the community, enticing more visitors to the town centre for work and socialising. We are proud to be able to support the council on this transformational project.”