Work on Colin Campbell Court has begun.
Teams from Gilpin Demolition were on site on 8 August to begin bringing down three buildings on the corner of New George Street, which overlooks the court.
Numbers 109, 111 and 113 have already been extensively surveyed and gutted inside in readiness for the heavy machinery.
Plymouth City Council Leader Ian Bowyer said: “We’ve come a long way with the project in a short time and I’m really excited to see work begin.
“When it is finished, Colin Campbell Court will bring a new lease of life to the West End and we as a council are immensely proud to have contributed to it.”
Click here to view a video of the demolition.
Demolishing the properties will be the first phase of a long term plan to rejuvenate this part of the city and create a stronger, more direct link with the waterfront at Millbay.
The regeneration proposal would completely change the face of this part of the city. Instead of a cluttered car park overlooked by dated low-rise 1960s shops, Colin Campbell Court could become a desirable place to live as well as shop and enjoy.
As the regeneration is a long term plan, the aim is to ensure as many parking spaces are available for as long as possible within Colin Campbell car park.
The demolition site has been separated off and designed to use as little space and it is also anticipated that once the regeneration gets underway, it will be carried out in phases, to minimise the impact on parking availability in the area.
As part of the Council’s continued commitment to regenerate the West End, it is currently looking at opportunities for making more car parking available in the West End as well as creating a more attractive environment.
Colin Campbell Court has long been recognised as a redevelopment opportunity and as the major landlord, the Council is prepared to kick-start its regeneration.
This long term plan aims to create a mixed use redevelopment with over 300 homes around the Colin Campbell location, with 25 per cent to starter homes.
There will be shops, cafes and studios and car parking as well as attractive public open space. It is envisaged that the new development would include four to six storey buildings, with the current car park transformed into a courtyard.
The long-term aspiration aims to link the boulevard with the West End.
The Council is in discussions with funders and partners particularly those who able to support affordable homes.
The company and the Council is working together to make sure those most affected by the work are kept up to date with progress.