Morgan Sindall appointed to Plymouth Civic Centre regeneration
Following approval by Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet, Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed to deliver the £6.49 million Phase 1 works package for the Civic Centre regeneration project, a major regeneration project in the heart of Plymouth city centre, with works on site due to commence at the end of September.
Procured through the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), the project focuses on the refurbishment of the Civic Centre, a Grade II listed building constructed in 1962 that formed a central component of Plymouth’s post-war regeneration.
Formerly serving as council offices, the Civic Centre comprises a 14-storey tower above a two-storey podium and a basement. Vacated in 2015 following a period of deterioration, the building has stood dormant at the heart of the city since.
From September until the end of the year, the commencement of works will see scaffolding and netting erected to envelop the building. Once constructed, the scaffold will allow for the removal of cladding on the exterior to enable external structural surveys, and the removal of all remaining asbestos. Internal and external demolition works will also take place, including the demolition of the 1970s extension.
The regeneration of the building is one of the most ambitious in recent years. It is one of very few high-rise regeneration schemes in the UK and one of the first to comply with the new Building Safety Act which was introduced post Grenfell.
Following completion of the restoration works, Plymouth City Council will enter into a 125-year lease with City College Plymouth to enable a significant investment by the college. The College intends to occupy the lower floors and basement as a new Blue Green Skills Hub, providing training for up to 2,000 students each year across more than 60 courses.
The Civic Centre tower will be repurposed to deliver 144 new homes, securing a sustainable long-term future for one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
Externally, the scheme includes the refurbishment of the existing reflection pool alongside extensive hard and soft landscaping works that will connect seamlessly with the wider Armada Way and Royal Parade urban regeneration programmes, previous major Morgan Sindall projects in the city.
Graham Kingdon, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the South West, said:
This is a complex and highly significant project for Plymouth. The Civic Centre building is instantly recognisable and has stood empty for far too long, so being trusted by Plymouth City Council to bring it back to life is something we’re incredibly proud of.
Through close collaboration and careful planning, our aim is to preserve the building’s unique character while creating spaces that serve the city for generations to come.”
Councillor Matt Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing, City Centre Regeneration and Events, said:
There’s a real sense of momentum building around the Civic. Planning and listed building consent have now been granted. Two phases which were vital to ensuring the building is safe to work in have been completed.
Now the Council, working with Capital&Centric and City College Plymouth, have a contractor lined up for the next phase – Morgan Sindall – who have shown they are more than capable of tackling difficult projects in Plymouth. It’s all systems go.”
ENDS