Shabby buildings 'a disgrace' says MP

CONCERNS have been raised about two of Plymouth city centre's most famous but “shabby” buildings as an MP urges owners to either regenerate them or sell up.

- By WILLIAM TELFORD

Luke Pollard has added the former Western Morning News building, in New George Street, and the Art Deco Colin Campbell House to his list of properties that have fallen into disuse.

Mr Pollard, who has been compiling the annual “at risk” list since 2022, has also brought the former Reel Cinema back onto it, saying plans have “stalled”. The list is, once again, topped by the crumbling Palace Theatre in Union Street.

The facade of the old Western Morning News building is a new entry due to the deteriorating state of its facade, Mr Pollard said. The old building behind the pre-war facade was redeveloped decades ago but the historic frontage, one of the few that survived the Blitz and the city centre redevelopment, was kept.

Plans to convert the building into a serviced aparthotel were submitted four years ago, and, despite gaining approval 18 months ago, nothing had happened at the building.

Mr Pollard said the former newspaper headquarters - which has been empty since retailers Waterstones and Brewsters Batteries, and a short-lived Climate Hub pulled out - is looking “terrible” and will be an even bigger blot on the landscape when a £5m dental clinic is created next door.