Work begins on restoration of historic city centre landmark

A historic spade used to inaugurate the construction of Burrator Reservoir in the 19th century has been used to launch another landmark water project in the South West.

Drake’s Place Gardens and Reservoir, off North Hill in Plymouth city centre, are set to be transformed over the next six months, as the site is restored to its former glory.

A turf-cutting ceremony took place yesterday (6 December), with officials from leaseholder Plymouth University and community group the Friends of Drake’s Place joined by leading Plymouth-based contractors Ryearch, who will carry out the work, and other city partners. Construction work will begin on site on Monday (9 December)

The story of Drake’s Place stretches back to 1592, when Sir Francis Drake oversaw the construction of a 28km channel that brought water from Dartmoor to the townspeople of Plymouth. The reservoir and gardens date back to the 1800s, and the spade used at the turf cutting ceremony is now stored at Drake’s former home, Buckland Abbey.

Win Scutt, Community Engagement Officer for Plymouth University, said: "This is when our ground-breaking project starts to get really exciting. The University has a longstanding commitment to transforming the reservoir and gardens, and we’ve been dreaming and planning for this moment for three years. Now, thanks to help from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund, we shall begin to see this beautiful community space come to life."

Local resident Lynn Fearon, of the Friends of Drake’s Place, said: “This is such an important green space for the whole Greenbank community – for the residents, the students and the staff of the University. It provides an oasis in the centre of a densely built up area and, on completion will be of significant interest to many Plymouth citizens, young and old alike. Thirty five years ago a dual carriageway was destined to cross the Reservoir and, having campaigned since then, I will be watching the plans develop with eager anticipation.”

Plymouth University was last year awarded £601,600, from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund (BIG), to restore the gardens and reservoir, and will match fund the £1.4m project. The lottery money was awarded from the Parks for People programme following a two-stage bid process, which saw the University as leaseholder working closely with the local community on proposals.

A new entrance and level access from North Hill to the reservoir area will be created, and the fountains in the reservoir will be reinstated along with the cascade which runs through the gardens. Listed features, such as the turret house, will be restored, and the gardens replanted in keeping with the 1910 design. Extra seating and improved lighting will also be provided.

Nerys Watts, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South West, said on behalf of HLF and BIG: “We are delighted to support this exciting project in the heart of Plymouth. Parks and green spaces are essential to people who live and work in our towns and cities and we look forward to seeing Drake’s Place Gardens restored and its full potential as a community space being realised.”

David Frost, senior estimator for Ryearch, said: “As a Plymouth based construction specialist Ryearch particularly enjoys working on local projects. The Drake's Place restoration is particularly significant as it will benefit the whole community. Our extensive experience of working on similar projects and strong track record of successfully working with the University Plymouth will be utilised throughout the contract."

The Gardens and Reservoir will be closed until May 2014 while Ryearch carry out the restoration for the University. The Reservoir Café which overlooks the Reservoir will continue to welcome visitors from both outside and inside the University during this period. More information is available at http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/drakesplace.