More skilled jobs and a place for Plymouth’s marine businesses to innovate and collaborate – that’s all part of the vision for the next stage of the Oceansgate development which has now been submitted to planners.
A planning application has been submitted this week for a series of innovation barns – high spec large industrial units for use as workshops and prototyping along with project offices.
Over 1,700 square metres of high-quality space within eight units is being planned to expand the existing Oceansgate complex, which is already home to 14 light industrial units and 12 offices.
Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Plymouth is at the forefront of marine innovation and a key part of its success is enabling businesses to collaborate with each other and test prototypes.
“The first two phases have regenerated and revived land that had been unused by the MOD for decades. There are over 170 people employed directly or indirectly thanks to Oceansgate.
“We need to make sure Plymouth stays at the forefront of marine innovation and this is the ideal place to help make this happen.
“South Yard was literally built for the city’s marine industry – an industry which changes all the time. These proposals should help the city of Plymouth continue to lead in this key sector.”
The planning application proposes two buildings that would be similar in style, but a higher specification to the already high-spec offices and industrial units at Oceansgate. The Oceansgate development has been built to reflect the historic nature of South Yard as well as the street pattern outside its boundaries with natural material such as limestone.
The next phase promises to be even greener and built to the latest low carbon building specifications. Features include renewable energy systems, the use of lower carbon materials – such as sustainably sourced timber, stone, and recycled building materials, orientation of the buildings for heat/shade, efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. There will also be cycle parking and EV charge facilities.
Historic England have been part of the pre-application discussions along with the Council’s planning department and it supports the Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan.
The Plymouth and South Devon Freeport have allocated seed capital grant of £3.256 million and the Council is service borrowing of £3.274m to fund the plans.
Securing the City Deal nearly 10 years ago helped lay the foundations for the city's marine and maritime innovation sector to thrive. South Yard is now a key part of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport and offers specific tax and relief benefits for companies based within it, incentivising employers to invest and create new jobs.
The Freeport’s Tax Site at South Yard will support the marine and defence sectors by providing a focal point for technological advances in these arenas. It is the South West’s prime location for marine and maritime capability with direct waterfront access to docks, deep water jetties, land, offices and workshops for testing, trialling, and prototyping.