£50m plans submitted for revamp of Civic Centre

An iconic building which is one of Plymouth's tallest structures has moved a step closer to a complete renovation after plans were submitted.

Plymouth City Council wants to convert the derelict Civic Centre into 144 flats and a new campus for City College Plymouth with a restaurant and wellness spa.

The Civic Centre, opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1962, has been empty since council staff left the premises in 2015.

The city council said almost £50m of funding was available for the project through various public sector bodies and corporate borrowing.

The council said the lower ground floor would have six teaching workshops, the ground floor would have a careers hub, bistro, spa and a digital space with classrooms on the first floor.

Mark Lowry, the council's cabinet member for finance, said: "It's a huge undertaking, but we believe it is worth it.

"The Civic was symbolic of the city's post war regeneration and it is playing a leading part in our new vision for the city centre."

As part of the works the whole area around the Civic Centre will be re-landscaped with new planting and seating.

A previous plan to renovate the 14-storey building was abandoned and Plymouth City Council bought the site back from developers Urban Splash in 2024 for £1.

Jackie Grubb, chief executive of City College Plymouth, said: "Our Blue-Green Skills Hub will transform the lower floors into a city centre learning space that prepares thousands of students for the jobs of tomorrow.

"This milestone brings us closer to creating a vibrant, visible presence in the heart of the city where people can explore, learn, and connect, while supporting industries that are central to Plymouth's future growth."

The council said £47.5m of funding was available to complete the shell of the building.

A council spokesperson said: "City College Plymouth and a residential developer will further fund the project for the fit-out of the college and the residential space respectively."

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