After years of navigating around barriers, cones, and the occasional lost tourist, Plymouth residents can finally stroll freely again at the top of Armada Way, as the first part of the regeneration project officially opens.
At today's ribbon cutting ceremony, residents had their first look at the amphitheatre and Phoenix Fountain area, now completed after extensive work began last October.
Council Leader Tudor Evans OBE acknowledged the challenges, saying:
“It’s safe to say it has been a quite a journey to get to this stage, so we wanted to pause to celebrate this moment.
“The pace of the work has been remarkable, and the scale of investment has inspired companies and organisations to sit up, take notice of what is happening in Plymouth and to invest here.
“We know the scheme is not finished, but we wanted to open this part of the project up so that people could get a sense of the meticulous workmanship on show, the thought that has gone into the planting. We want people to be as excited as we are.”
However, the project has not been without controversy. The regeneration's initial estimated cost of £12.7 million has more than doubled to £30 million following adjustments made by the current Labour administration.
Additional expenses arose from the contentious felling of 110 trees, costing taxpayers an extra £3.3 million in legal fees, inflationary costs, and payments to contractor Morgan Sindall.
Visitors are now invited to judge for themselves the new landscaped gardens, wildflower planting, and restored historic features, such as the heraldic lions from the original Armada Way.
The Phoenix Fountain has also been cleaned and awaits its new sculpture, expected to arrive next year.
Contractors Morgan Sindall, who recently reported profits of £95.5 million in the last six months alone, will continue working towards completing the entire Armada Way project by summer 2026.
Steve Hughes, Chief Executive of Plymouth City Centre Company said:
"This regeneration project is a game changer for Plymouth’s City Centre. It’s attracting interest, investment and opening up all sorts of opportunities for events that bring more families, visitors and shoppers into the city centre.
“We know construction work of this scale brings with it difficulties – and we recognise that – but the long-term gain is worth it.”
A community focused Amphitheatre Fun Day is planned for Saturday, 9 August, with performances by local acts including The Busketeers and Andy Quick. Plymouth Theatre Company and Merlin the Wonder Woman will also entertain visitors.
As the first section opens, residents now have the opportunity to determine if the project's disruption, costs, and controversies are justified.
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