Morgan Sindall Construction appointed to Plymouth Civic Centre regeneration

Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed to deliver the £6.49m first phase of Plymouth Civic Centre’s regeneration, paving the way for the vacant landmark to be converted into homes and education space.

The appointment follows approval by Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet, with work expected to begin on site at the end of September. The project will ultimately see the Civic Centre tower converted into 144 homes, while City College Plymouth plans to establish a new Blue Green Skills Hub across the building’s lower floors and basement.

Built in 1962 as part of Plymouth’s post-war reconstruction, the Grade II listed Civic Centre comprises a 14-storey tower above a two-storey podium and basement. It previously housed council offices but has remained vacant since 2015 following deterioration of the building.

Morgan Sindall has been appointed through the Southern Construction Framework to undertake the first package of works required to prepare the structure for its wider redevelopment.

Scaffolding and protective netting will be erected around the building between September and the end of the year. This will allow the existing external cladding to be removed so structural surveys can be carried out. The programme will also include removal of remaining asbestos and internal and external demolition works, including demolition of the Civic Centre’s 1970s extension.

The refurbishment presents a complex construction challenge because of the building’s listed status, height and condition. Morgan Sindall said it is one of relatively few high-rise regeneration projects currently being undertaken in the UK and among the first of its type to comply with requirements introduced under the Building Safety Act following the Grenfell Tower fire.

Graham Kingdon, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the South West, said: “This is a complex and highly significant project for Plymouth. The Civic Centre building is instantly recognisable and has stood empty for far too long, so being trusted by Plymouth City Council to bring it back to life is something we’re incredibly proud of.

“Through close collaboration and careful planning, our aim is to preserve the building’s unique character while creating spaces that serve the city for generations to come.”

Following completion of the restoration works, Plymouth City Council intends to enter into a 125-year lease with City College Plymouth, enabling the college to make a significant investment in the property. Its proposed Blue Green Skills Hub will occupy the lower floors and basement and is intended to provide training for up to 2,000 students annually across more than 60 courses.

The 14-storey tower, meanwhile, will be repurposed to provide 144 homes, introducing a residential use intended to secure a long-term future for the former municipal building.

The wider scheme extends beyond the Civic Centre itself. Plans include refurbishment of its existing reflection pool together with hard and soft landscaping designed to connect the development with the wider regeneration of Armada Way and Royal Parade. Morgan Sindall has previously delivered major projects within both of those programmes.

Councillor Matt Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing, City Centre Regeneration and Events, said: “There’s a real sense of momentum building around the Civic. Planning and listed building consent have now been granted. Two phases which were vital to ensuring the building is safe to work in have been completed.

“Now the Council, working with Capital&Centric and City College Plymouth, have a contractor lined up for the next phase – Morgan Sindall – who have shown they are more than capable of tackling difficult projects in Plymouth. It’s all systems go.”

The redevelopment forms part of a broader effort to regenerate Plymouth city centre while retaining one of the most prominent surviving buildings from its post-war reconstruction.