
A bold regeneration project in Plymouth has been crowned Best Project at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) South West Awards for Planning Excellence — and has also taken home the coveted Overall Best in Region title.
Delivered in partnership between Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) and the Council, the transformational regeneration of North Prospect, the largest scheme of its kind in the South West, began in 2012 and has completely reshaped the area.
Over the course of the project, nearly 800 homes in poor condition were demolished and replaced with more than 1,100 high-quality, energy-efficient homes.
The new neighbourhood offers a better variety of house types, sizes, and tenures, creating a more inclusive and sustainable community.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities at Plymouth City Council, said: “This award is a testament to the vision, dedication, and hard work of everyone involved in the North Prospect regeneration.
"It’s not just about bricks and mortar — it’s about creating a thriving, inclusive community where people are proud to live.
"We’re thrilled to see this project recognised at a regional level and excited to see it go forward to the national stage.”
In total, the project has delivered 491 new homes for affordable and social rent, and 195 homes for shared ownership, creating a total of 686 affordable homes—exceeding the 605 socially rented homes previously in the area.
In addition, PCH refurbished a further 300 social rented homes, ensuring that existing residents also benefited from the improvements.
The project’s success is a testament to the power of collaboration and long-term vision in urban planning. It now advances to the national RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence, with finalists to be announced in October.