City Engineers photographic collection

This collection of negatives highlights the demolition and rebuilding of Plymouth between 1949 to 1962. The photographs were taken by members of the City Engineers staff. The department was involved in activities such as street, building and vehicle maintenance and overseeing engineering projects such as:

• City centre (Royal Parade, New George Street, Armada Way, Cornwall Street, Old Town Street, Guildhall)
• Building of the Civic Centre
• New Laira bridge
• Tamar bridge
• Housing estates (Ernesettle, Whitleigh and Southway)

As well as recording the work carried out by the department, the images also provide an insight into daily life during this period.

In amongst the images taken during day-to-day activities, the photographer also records other scenes that occurred during the course of his work.

Image gallery

We have selected some images for you to get a taste of what's in this collection.

City centre

New Laira bridge

Tamar bridge

Housing estates

Stonehouse and Devonport

Selection of other photographs

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