The largest element of funding needed to overhaul Plymouth’s Civic Centre has been secured, following the signing of a major grant agreement.

Homes England, the government's housing and regeneration agency, signed a £18.4 million grant funding deal with Plymouth City Council.

The agreement begins a busy spell ahead of a refreshed planning application, with residents encouraged to comment on proposals, get involved and share their stories about the landmark building.

Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet Member for Finance and City Centre champion, said: "Complicated is an understatement when it comes to this project, but the goals are pretty simple and incredibly exciting for the city.

"It's about City College Plymouth creating a campus for up to 2,000 students, from school leavers to adult learners, to learn new skills.

"It's about creating 144 new homes within the tower as part our city vision to create thousands of new homes in the city centre. We want this landmark building to come to life once more.

-- Advertisement --

"The Civic Centre has always been a landmark of ambition. Once a beacon of post-war renewal, it has stood too long as a reminder of decline. Now, we have the chance to breathe new life into it.

"This project is not simply about restoring a building, it is about securing the Civic Centre’s place at the heart of Plymouth’s future."

The Civic Centre scheme is part of a wider regeneration push to unlock thousands of new homes, enhance public spaces and build a resilient city centre economy. The investment is also framed as a vote of confidence in Plymouth’s future growth.

A decision has been published to enter into the Brownfield Land and Infrastructure Agreement with Homes England. The funding, aimed at housing-led brownfield projects, will support remediation to bring the building to a stage where residential units can be fitted out and delivered by a private developer.

The grant will fund concrete frame repairs and fire protection, strengthening of upper floors, roof works, new facades, and demolition and renovation of existing structures.

An initial phase already under way has included identifying and removing asbestos-containing materials, vegetation clearance and improved on-site security, including replacement hoardings. This stage is due to complete shortly.

Works will proceed in phases, with Phase 3 converting the block into residential apartments and an education centre for City College Plymouth.

The Council plans to appoint a principal contractor before the end of the year to deliver the remediation programme.

A package has been assembled from several public sources, including the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, the Future High Streets Fund, a District Heating Grant and the Council’s own borrowing.

The Council said extensive legal and funding work had been progressing behind the scenes for months.