Plans to shine a permanent light on some of city’s key monuments on the Hoe have been submitted.
Four statues are to have lights shining on them during the dark nights, if the green light is given for the installation to be carried out.
The Royal Air Force and Allied Air Forces monument, the Merchant Navy and Armada statues could be bathed in a soft white light which has been designed to be bat friendly. While the lights that will shine on Sir Francis Drake will be capable of changing colour.
The LED fittings, which are low in energy consumption and CO2 emissions, will be installed in the ground with special seals to take into the bracing salty coastal environment.
Council leader Tudor Evans OBE said: “We have committed to shining a light on Plymouth’s incredible history. We want to light up our landmarks and celebrate our heritage wherever and whenever we can.
“We think it is going to look absolutely stunning. It will make the Hoe an even more special place. When the time is right we want people to enjoy being out in the evenings and to be drawn to our amazing waterfront.
“There’s no doubt we need some light at the moment.”
The costs of the project is expected to be in the region of £60,000. Plans are also in train to light up the major Naval War Memorial and discussions are ongoing with the War Graves Commission but as this is more complex and the design not yet finalised, the Council is pressing ahead with the other four for now.
About the monuments
Drake monument: Grade II* memorial with statue. By JE Boem, sculptor and unveiled in 1888. (above right)
Merchant Navy memorial: unveiled in 2019 by HRH the Princess Royal. It is a tribute to the men and women who serve in or have served in the British Merchant Navy or fishing fleets in times of both war and peace (featured left)
Britannia or Armada memorial: Grade II* listed by Herbert A Gribble, architect and W Charles May, sculptor unveiled in 1888 features Britannia with lion and has a panel with the inscription: 'He blew with his winds and they were scattered'.
RAF memorial: unveiled in 1989 by Air Marshal Sir John Curtiss. It is a tribute to the Royal Air Force Commonwealth and Allied air forces for the Second Word War 1939 – 1945.