£18m Civic Centre funding deal signed

'WE NOW HAVE THE CHANCE TO BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO IT'

- By ALISON STEPHENSON

AN £18.4 million funding deal has been signed between Homes England and Plymouth City Council to stride forward with the regeneration of the Civic Centre.

This is the largest piece of funding for the £47.5 million project to create 144 apartments and a City College Plymouth campus in the iconic postwar building which was once council offices.

Plymouth City Council says the agreement “heralds the start of an intense period of activity” ahead of a refreshed planning application being submitted.

Initial plans went on show recently for the Grade II listed building opened by the late Queen Elizabeth in 1962 and public consultation events are taking place in various places in the city this month.

People can comment, get involved and share stories about this city landmark and the feedback will shape the final planning application.

The Homes England funding will cover concrete frame repairs and fire protection, upper floors strengthening, roof works, new facades and demolition and renovation work to the existing buildings.

Other costs will be met by public sector pots including Future High Streets and Levelling Up funds and the city council plans to borrow £17 million to complete the shell and core works.