BDP appointed for Plymouth Civic Centre redevelopment
BDP has been appointed to lead the transformation of Plymouth’s landmark Civic Centre, a Grade II Listed complex of buildings at the heart of Plymouth’s post war transformation.
The redevelopment will see the creation of more than 140 new homes in the tower, with the basement, ground and first floors becoming a dynamic residents amenity and space for Blue Green Skills Hub for City College Plymouth.
BDP will manage the design of the new homes and navigate the seamless separation between the residential and educational uses within the building’s complex structure. The practice will also serve as the Building Regulations Principal Designer, overseeing compliance with the Building Safety Act across the entire development.
A striking symbol of post-war modernism, Plymouth Civic Centre was designed by city architect Hector Stirling, and delivered by Jellicoe, Ballantyne & Colleridge, completed in 1962 as one of the final pieces of the Abercrombie Plan to reconstruct the city after the Blitz. The building represents a new transparency of government, with Council House – still in use today with council chamber and political office, connected by podiums to the officers set within the tower delivering service, and topped by a public access restaurant with views across the town. The building had become unsuitable for the officers and dropped into neglect, awaiting its next period of transformation.
“We were really impressed with BDP’s record of tackling difficult buildings and making sure that developments comply with all the latest regulations which are designed to keep people safe. This landmark towers above the city – it is so important to our regeneration story, but it is not an easy building, so we are delighted to have such a high calibre team help us to achieve this vision.”
BDP has a strong track record in Plymouth, having delivered the University of Plymouth’s Roland Levinsky Building and the award-winning regeneration of the adjacent Theatre Royal, which included significant basement reconfiguration and public realm improvements.
The practice is well known for unlocking the potential of architecturally and structurally complex buildings. Notable projects include the restoration and renewal of the houses of parliament in Westminster, the adaptive reuse of the Grade II-listed Weir Mill in Stockport and the cultural redevelopment of Leighton House.
“The Civic Centre’s transformation is a pivotal step in re-energising the city centre. This project presents an exciting opportunity to breathe new life into a historically significant building, reconnecting it with Royal Parade and Armada Way, and creating a vibrant, inclusive destination for learning, enterprise and community use. We believe cities should be good for us, and we have a long history of bringing complex buildings back into use. This redevelopment will play a defining role in Plymouth’s next chapter.”
“As a practice founded in 1961 on similar ideals held by this design of the building, this is an exciting opportunity to unlock the potential of this civic asset for the next generation to enjoy. We’re looking forward to delivering high-quality homes that are sensitive to the building’s heritage while meeting the highest standards of design, safety and performance. Producing great residential design in adaptive reuse projects demands careful coordination, technical excellence, and creativity, and our multidisciplinary approach is key to ensuring this landmark continues to serve the people of Plymouth for generations to come.”
The redevelopment of the Civic Centre presents a range of technical challenges, most notably the compliance with the new Building Safety Act, and working with an adaptive reuse of an existing structure that has stood the test of time in a harsh marine environment.
The Civic Centre redevelopment is supported by funding from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, Levelling Up Fund and Homes England.