More images of the Armada Way regeneration were unveiled at an event this week designed to give the public the latest information about this exciting city centre investment project.
Plymouth City Council plans to renew this key route into the city centre and is finalising the designs that will see 1980s piecemeal landscaping replaced with a new linear park over kilometre long, lined on either side by an avenue of trees.
The new images show the top end of the scheme near North Cross roundabout and feature water jets as well as a running water feature and a stepped amphitheatre space.
The images also reflect the more open feel, with an avenue of trees running along the sides of the planned urban park, leading to much clearer views towards the Hoe.
The project is part of an ongoing programme designed to address years of under-investment in city centre streets and spaces. The £12.7 million investment project is being funded through the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund and matched by Plymouth City Council.
The aim is to create a more impressive and grand welcome into the city centre, and as well as new water and play spaces, dramatically improved café seating areas, attractive places to stop and rest, refurbished Braille Garden and Phoenix fountain and tree pits.
The Sundial and its settings will also be refurbished, a mobility hub is on the cards as well as an improved crossing on Mayflower Street to enhance north-south connectivity.
The new look will take into account climate change, with the planting of plants and trees that are more resilient to an urban environment. A sustainable urban drainage system, integrated into a new stream feature, will form part of a wider strategic network in the city centre. The system includes features such as reed beds, which integrate the drainage system with the new planting to make the best use of surface water.
Cabinet Member for Transport Councillor Jonathan Drean said: “This is one of the most significant investments in public space in the country at the moment and we are doing it because we want to transform our city centre and make it more attractive to visitors, business and to investors.”
The work will be carried out in stages in an effort to minimise disruption to the city centre.