MP shows support for the restoration of Plymouth’s historic city centre

On Friday 20th October, Luke Pollard MP joined Historic England and Plymouth City Council to see how recent projects are improving the city centre and celebrating its post-war heritage.   

Set up in 2020, the High Street Heritage Action Zone is delivering a total investment of £2.58 million into Plymouth city centre.

The scheme is improving public spaces, repairing historic buildings and shopfronts, supporting community engagement and delivering an exciting cultural programme.

Luke was joined on a tour of the High Street Heritage Action Zone by Historic England’s Regional Director, Rebecca Barrett, High Street Heritage Action Zone lead Simon Hickman, and Landscape Architect Jo McAllister. Cllr Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, and Anthony Payne, Strategic Director for Place, also attended.

The tour included the Civic Square following the successful completion of two phases of restoration, including the reinstatement of the distinctive bow-tie shaped paviours – part of the original post-war design – and repairs to the fountain.

The recently cleaned and repaired Pearl Assurance building reveals the stunning character of the Portland stone chosen for the post-war city centre. Sixteen more buildings with prominent frontages are also being cleaned.

Repairs to façade of the much-loved Athenaeum are nearing completion, restoring its modern, futuristic look.

The High Street HAZ is about the community, too. Well-attended Heritage Network meetings engage people in conversations about Plymouth’s heritage, and the High Street Sparks grant programme provides up to £2,500 of funding for community projects designed to breathe life back into the city centre.

Plymouth Culture and The Box are also running an inspiring cultural programme alongside the capital works. The latest project is lighting up the Civic Centre with a message about climate action. LED lights spell out words by poet Ben Okri celebrating Plymouth's strong social identity, rooted in kindness and community spirit.

There is more to come, with work to improve the public spaces on Royal Parade and new granite seating walls, granite paving and lighting in New George Street and Old Town Street before the High Street Heritage Action Zone finishes in 2024.

Luke Pollard MP, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said: "Plymouth has a proud history but too many of our iconic buildings are in disrepair. 

"Historic England is doing great work investing in our city centre, from the Guildhall to the Pearl Assurance building. I'm proud to have worked with them as part of my Plymouth Buildings at Risk campaign. 

"Now the owners of the Palace Theatre, the Royal Fleet Club and our other neglected iconic buildings should follow their example. It's time for them to invest or to sell to someone who will."

Rebecca Barrett, South West Regional Director at Historic England, said: “It’s been a pleasure to show Luke the difference the High Street Heritage Action Zone is making to Plymouth, revealing the special character of the post-war city centre so that it remains an attractive place to live in, work in and visit.” 

Leader of the Council Tudor Evans OBE added: “Plymouth has the first post-war city centre conservation area in the country and we want to make sure our buildings and features look their best. 

"Thanks to Historic England's support, we have been able to help owners of the Athenaeum restore their building and support landlords to clean up their premises.  We're also restoring the Civic Square to its former glory.  It's good to have the chance to show off what's been achieved."