A shoal of steel fish is going to be welcoming visitors to Plymouth.
The shiny fish will be wrapped around the entrance at one of the North Cross subways leading into the city centre from the railway station and it’s all part of the long term plan to create a more spectacular entrance into Britain’s Ocean City.
The fish - which are made of 316 marine grade stainless steel - were created by Plymouth designer Symon Sweet and local specialist fabricators Stainless Fab Ltd were commissioned to create the creatures splashing out of stainless steel.
Council leader Tudor Evans OBE said: “This is about saying hello in a very Britain’s Ocean City way. We want people to know how proud we are of Plymouth from the moment they get off the train, walk up the path and see the city centre unfold before their eyes.
“It’s eye-catching, it’s fun and it’s giving a great local company work at a time when their mettle is being well and truly tested by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“One of the key commitments we made as part of our Resurgam recovery programme was to do all we can to employ local companies to keep local people in work. This is a cracking example of industrial, creative talent right here in Plymouth and I hope it brings a smile to people’s faces.”
The commission has been a life saver for the company Stainless Fabs Ltd.
Managing Director Zhev Liverson said that in the past, the main contractors of development work would often use fabrication and design companies they already had working relationships with. As a result many local companies did not get a look in. He praised the Council’s new more proactive procurement process and added: “These projects have led to the development of Stainless Fabs Ltd design capability and an increase in employment here in Plymouth.
“It’s not only good financially, but it has provided a clear and stable path forward in this company’s development, as we move through this COVID-19 pandemic.”
Massive change is on the cards for the area around Plymouth’s train station. The Brunel Plaza scheme involves an upgrade for Plymouth Railway Station, along with a major revamp of the surrounding area, including the redevelopment of Intercity House by the University of Plymouth to train the city’s future health professionals; a new hotel and multi-storey car park; and improvements to public areas and links to the city centre.
The corner car park at Station Approach has already been turned into a compound for contractors, planning permission for the Intercity Place project has been granted and the University has signed a long-term lease on the building from Network Rail with work expected to begin shortly.