The only surviving Art Deco building in the city centre could be getting a makeover as part of regeneration plans for the West End.
Colin Campbell House, in the corner of Colin Campbell Court, could be in line for some renovation under a scheme to encourage a new tenant into the building.
The Council acquired the building in 2016 as part of its long term regeneration plans for the West End.
Built in 1938, the 20th Century Society described it as a unique example of interwar architecture in Plymouth city centre. In its time it has been a car show room, a Habitat store and the ground floor is currently occupied by City Furniture Store, who are relocating.
The Council has been working closely with NHS colleagues on an exciting new health and wellbeing centre in a section of Colin Campbell Court, which has been submitted to planners, but is also turning its attention to the location’s landmark building.
A decision is being signed this week by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Nick Kelly giving the green light to allocate £760,000 into the capital programme.
He said: “I am sure many people will be as delighted as I am to see some investment into one of the few Art Deco buildings Plymouth has.
“For years people have wondered about its future – well I am pleased to say it is in hand.
“It needs investment, but it also needs a use and we hope that work to the exterior and ground floor will enable us to secure a long-term, sustainable use.”
A design, costing and schedule of work exercise has been carried out to complete works to the ground floor to improve the quality of the space.
Work will focus initially on the ground floor and the exterior but it will also involve appropriate fire and acoustic separation to minimise disruption to the ground floor tenant during later redevelopment of the upper floors.
The proposal also includes installing an access ramp, so a planning application will be submitted in the next few weeks.
Under the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan Colin Campbell House was referenced for retention where practical and viable to do so.