Experts to lead new homes 'masterplan'

FIRM IS APPOINTED TO COME UP WITH PLAN FOR 10K NEW HOMES

- By ALISON STEPHENSON [e-mail]

PLYMOUTH City Council has appointed a firm to lead the masterplanning work for 10,000 new city centre homes, infrastructure and green spaces.

The plan will set out how underused areas of the city centre can be transformed into sustainable, vibrant communities.

Global placemaking experts WSP, who have worked with the council on the Forder Valley Link Road and public realm projects, have been chosen following a competitive tendering process and will lead a consortium of experts.

A multidisciplinary team will be involved in placemaking, transport, infrastructure, property market, delivery and design, "ensuring the proposals are practical, inclusive, and rooted in Plymouth's identity," said the council.

The "ambitious" programme is supported by funding and expertise from Homes England and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

Over the coming weeks, the council says it will work closely with WSP to develop the detail of its programme over the coming year.

The framework and masterplan will explore opportunities for new city centre homes alongside modern infrastructure that supports walking, cycling, and public transport.