Morgan Sindall is set to secure a £6.5 million enabling works contract to launch the major redevelopment of Plymouth’s landmark Civic Centre, paving the way for its transformation into 144 build-to-rent homes.
Plymouth City Council is expected to approve the package, allowing construction activity to begin immediately while detailed design and procurement work continues on the main phase of the £50 million regeneration.
The council and development partner Capital&Centric have divided the complex high-rise refurbishment into two principal packages as the project progresses through requirements under the Building Safety Act.
Moving ahead with the enabling works separately is expected to prevent potential delays of up to a year and allow important investigation, demolition and remediation preparation to take place ahead of the second-stage design and tender process.
Designed by BDP, the wider regeneration will breathe new life into the long-vacant former council headquarters, converting the prominent city centre building into 144 rental homes operated through Capital&Centric’s Ollo residential brand.
Morgan Sindall’s initial package will include the removal of remaining external cladding to enable detailed structural surveys, together with asbestos removal and extensive internal and external demolition works.
The programme will also see the removal of the building’s 1970s extension as preparations gather pace for the more substantial second phase.
Once enabling works are complete, the main remediation and construction programme is expected to include repairs to the existing concrete frame, strengthening of floors, upgraded fire protection and roof works, alongside the installation of new façades.
The retrofit-led approach will retain and repurpose one of Plymouth’s most recognisable post-war buildings while introducing new residential use into the city centre.
More than £18 million of Homes England Brownfield Infrastructure Land funding has already been secured to support the regeneration, which received planning permission and listed building consent in July.
The project forms part of wider investment in Plymouth’s city centre built environment, with the conversion of the former Civic Centre supporting the creation of new homes while bringing a prominent vacant building back into productive use.
Morgan Sindall’s expected appointment also follows the contractor’s recent completion of the £30 million transformation of nearby Armada Way. Delivered over a two-year construction programme, the public realm project represents another major element of investment in central Plymouth.
Subject to final approval of the enabling works contract, Morgan Sindall will now begin preparing the Civic Centre for its next chapter, ahead of the larger construction and remediation programme that will transform the landmark building into a new build-to-rent residential development.
Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
