Boulevard dream comes closer

Buying land in Bath Street is a crucial step in Plymouth City Council’s long-held ambition of better linking the city centre to Millbay and the sea.

The Council is in discussions with the Homes & Communities Agency to fund the acquisition of five properties in Bath Street to help progress the development along the boulevard which will deliver over 170 new homes as well as new shops, restaurants and studios.

The first phase of the link between the Millbay and the city centre was completed last year. Called Brunel Way, it runs alongside the inner dock and was built as part of the Quadrant Quay development phase.

Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet member for Finance and Assets said: “By acquiring these sites, we are pushing along the regeneration of this area and creating this important link to the city centre.

“It means we will be able to clear the land, demolish disused buildings, and prepare the site for redevelopment.”

Millbay has changed dramatically over the last few years. There are now blocks of quality homes overlooking the docks, a new school and shops and restaurants opening up. It is becoming a destination in its own right, but there is still more to do, he said.

He continued: “Passengers coming off the ferry are getting a very mixed impression of Plymouth at the moment. On the one hand, there are smart flats, a new and dynamic school and yachts in the marina, but then they have to drive through Bath Street, which does not sell the city at all.

“Everyone agrees it is pretty run down. We want more homes here and want to improve this location so that it fits with our aspirations for a cruise terminal as well as continuing to improve all the our neighbourhoods along the waterfront.”

Regeneration plans for Millbay formed part of the biggest redevelopment scheme since the war and huge progress has been made over the last eight years.

As well as the completion of Quadrant Quay, King Point Marina has brought waterfront activity back to Millbay's refurbished inner harbour. The new Plymouth School of Creative Arts on Millbay Road has been open since 2014 in addition to the award-winning Cargo developments.