First phase of £30m revamp project set to open

The first phase of a £30m regeneration project in Plymouth will open next month.

Plans to redevelop Armada Way sparked controversy in March 2023 when the then Conservative-run council ordered more than 100 trees to be cut down at night for the work.

The scheme was halted following an outcry from residents but was put back on track last year at more than double its original cost, and is to feature 169 new trees, a play area the size of five tennis courts, new walkways, cycle paths, seating and pop-up event spaces.

The project was moving "at pace" and within budget, city centre champion councillor Mark Lowry told the authority's cabinet on Monday.

Zone 1, from North Cross to Mayflower Street, which started last October, is almost finished and includes 10 extra trees lining each side of the performance space.

All three zones, along the boulevard which leads to the Hoe, are expected to be complete by June next year.

Lowry said: "We do get caught up in trees for obvious reasons with this project and we wish it didn't start where it did. But we are moving on at pace, there is a very professional team up there now, and they have learnt from the hardship of doing Old Town Street and New George Street."

The council's regeneration and placemaking manager, Martin Ivatt, said there was a "total change" in how people responded to the scheme since the other streets had been finished.

"It's gone from more adversarial to very friendly and very positive," he said.

The new trees on Armada Way include 30 to 40-year-old magnolias, field maple, ginkgo and elm, which are resistant to Dutch elm disease; and Persian ironwoods, which change colour in autumn and have coloured bark.

There is 1,000 sq m of wildflower turf in the first zone and 15,000 herbaceous perennials will be in place once it is complete.

Paving will be granite and an ornamental rill will water the trees at night, and planned 'rain gardens' are part of a drainage system to stop flooding.

Temporary bridges are to connect walkways with shops to stop interruption to them while work goes on underground.

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