Once at the centre of Plymouth’s post-war renewal, the Civic Centre is set to lead the city’s biggest transformation since that era, after years of inactivity.
A symbol of Plymouth’s post-war ambition, the Civic Centre has stood tall over the city’s skyline for more than 60 years. Whether getting a bus pass or parking permit, discussing planning applications, applying for housing or claiming benefits, or enjoying the views from the top floor restaurant, thousands of Plymothians have passed through its doors.
Now the building is preparing for its most exciting transformation yet. The Grade II listed building is being reimagined as a vibrant, mixed-use space that will once again serve the people of Plymouth as a place to live and learn, as well as a place to connect, remember and shape the future.
Backed by Homes England and led by Plymouth City Council in partnership with City College Plymouth, the regeneration will deliver:
- 144 new homes in the iconic tower, designed for modern city-centre living.
- A Blue-Green Skills Hub on the lower floors, training thousands of students each year in sustainable technologies and marine innovation.
- Public spaces and ground-floor activity that reconnect the Civic Centre with the city around it, including Civic Square, the Theatre Royal and Royal Parade.
The Civic Centre already has planning consent for residential development, and significant public engagement was carried out for a previous proposal which the previous developers Urban Splash were unable to proceed with.
We are now building on that strong foundation to make the new vision for the Civic Centre a reality, bringing new life to a building that has long been part of Plymouth’s story.
This isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about the building’s importance to Plymouth, what it means for residents, their memories and their hopes for the future.
As part of our autumn engagement programme, we want to hear your views on our proposals and your memories of the Civic Centre. Did you work there, or visit for council business or a family milestone? These stories are part of Plymouth’s shared history and they’ll help shape the building’s next chapter, influencing everything from design and interpretation to public art. Your voice matters in how we reimagine this iconic space. For more information visit https://plymouthciviccentre.commonplace.is/
Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet Member for Finance and City Centre Regeneration, said:
“For over 60 years this building has stood at the heart of Plymouth, shaping our city’s story. Whether you love it or loath the sixties architecture, the building was a symbol of post-war rebirth and now it’s set to be at the forefront of the biggest regeneration of the city centre since then.
“Plymouth needs more homes in the city centre. Cities like ours typically have around 8,000 central residents – people who live, shop, and socialise locally, driving the economy forward. By creating new homes here, we’re tackling the housing shortage and boosting local business.
“The new Blue-Green skills hub is another exciting step. With City College leading the way, we’ll equip our young people and adult learners with the skills needed for Plymouth’s growing defence and marine sectors, especially as £4.4 billion is invested in Devonport dockyard.
“This is about building from within – creating opportunity, nurturing talent, and ensuring Plymouth remains a city of innovation, resilience and pride. This is your Civic Centre. Help shape its future.”
Pauline Schaffer, Director - Infrastructure Funding from Homes England said:
“Homes England is providing funding to support this iconic project, which will deliver high-quality homes as part of a wider regeneration initiative.
“This is a prime example of how we are helping local authority partners like Plymouth City Council to create thriving places people can be proud of.”
Jackie Grubb, Chief Executive of City College Plymouth, added:
“The Civic Centre project represents an incredible opportunity to Plymouth’s residents to gain the skills needed to thrive in the city’s growing blue and green industries. The new Blue-Green Skills Hub will provide training in areas such as marine engineering, sustainable construction and renewable energy, helping our students to play an active role in shaping a cleaner, more resilient future for our city.
“The courses delivered through the Hub will relate directly to the blue and green economy, ensuring that Plymouth continues to lead the way in innovation and sustainability.”
We’ve commissioned ECF to help with a pre-planning consultation which gets underway today. As well as comments on the proposals, we want the stories and colour that make this building part of the Plymouth story. They will be at the following:
- Thursday 6 November : 10.30am to 4pm – surveys in the city centre
- Friday 7 November: 10.30am to 4pm – surveys in the city centre
- Saturday 8 November: 10am to 1pm – City College Plymouth Open Day
- Thursday 13 November: 5pm to 7pm – Pop-up at Christmas Lights Switch-on
- Wednesday 19 November: 10.30am to 4pm – surveys in the city centre
- Wednesday 26 November: 5.30pm to 7pm – Evening drop-in session, Commonwealth Room, Crowne Plaza
- Thursday 27 November: 10.30am to 12.30pm – Pop-up at the Christmas Market
To complete the survey and share your stories and photographs regarding the Civic Centre, please visit: https://plymouthciviccentre.commonplace.is/