Babcock taking over former House of Fraser store

A defence firm has purchased a former city centre department store with plans to turn it into offices.

Babcock confirmed it would set up a base at the old Dingles and House of Fraser building on Royal Parade in Plymouth, Devon, with up to 2,000 staff being relocated there.

The company said the move would free up space at its Devonport Royal Dockyard site and "breathe new life" into the building, which closed down as a department store in March.

Harry Holt, Babcock's deputy chief executive, said buying the building was a "win, win, win" situation.

He said the company was still finalising its plans and it might be a few years before staff moved in.

Holt said the site would mainly be used by staff who worked in office-based roles including procurement and finance who did not necessarily need to be at the dockyard.

It would also be a place for Babcock to provide training to staff and collaborate with its partners, he added.

"We're going to free up much needed capacity in the dockyard to meet future defence needs," Holt said.

"It's clearly a win for the city because we're bringing 2,000 people to the city centre and all the associated footfall.

"And it's a win for Babcock because once we finish the refurbishment of the building, it'll be a state-of-the-art facility, a great working environment and a great opportunity for us to collaborate more closely with our partners."

Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, said the move marked an "important moment" for the area.

"Babcock's commitment, bringing 2,000 more people into the city centre, will deliver a major boost to people and businesses," he said.

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