Janners fear Plymouth is 'losing its heritage' due to Dockyard demolition plans

The plans for the Oceangate site are part of the next phase of the 'revitalisation' of the upper dockland area.

PlymouthLive readers have joined in with criticising plans to demolish two historic dockyard buildings at Devonport Dockyard to pave the way for new industrial units. The proposed changes are part of the ongoing 'revitalisation' of the upper dockland area, known as Oceangate, but have sparked a backlash.

Volunteers from the Devonport Naval Heritage Centre have blasted the plans as "senseless cultural vandalism" and claim it "treads all over Plymouth's naval heritage". The centre, which documents the significant role the dockyard has played in supporting the Royal Navy during wartime, argues that the demolition would result in the loss of vital facilities including a cafe, toilets, exhibit space, workshops, a lecture room, and most of its car park.

However, the council insists that the demolition is essential for the expansion of the Oceansgate freeport zone and has emphasised that the Naval Heritage Centre is not required to shut down, suggesting it could continue operating from alternative premises.

The outcome of the applications will be decided by Plymouth City Council planners at a future date.

Commenter Bangerman says: “It may be helpful, if PCC explained how much help and finance has been ring fenced to assist in the movement of the Naval Heritage Centre, which is staffed by volunteers if I remember correctly. This is their life's work!”

RickOshay thinks: “The Council, no matter which party is in charge, never looks after the heritage of the city. They should be repurposing existing buildings as is done successfully in other cities, that would also be far more environmentally friendly.”

uselessHarold says: “They'll need to provide adequate parking if they do this. The current parking availability at Oceansgate is woeful.”

Timmo thinks: “”Cost of living crisis but Plymouth City Council seem awash with cash."

AJGreen replies: “Not really. They do what all councils do. Manage the city and its services, seek funding for bigger projects from the government and seek inward investment from private sources. The Freeport initiative might bring some employment and investment to the city and its immediate area. In the meantime they are all struggling with degrees of debt and have huge loans following the pandemic, but Plymouth is better than some other councils and worse off than others. In my opinion, record, demolish, then move on. Shouldn't let old buildings stand in the way of progress.”

Wisechimps disagrees: “And so, we continue to lose our city's heritage and history. How about for once we preserve and encourage the younger generations to learn from history? Then perhaps we will have a generation of protectors instead of 'I don't give a fig!!!'"

Macker55 asks: “ Can’t Plymouth take a leaf out of Pompey dockyard’s book on how to preserve heritage while making a profit at the same time? HMS Plymouth could have been berthed in 3 dock in Southyard. She could have been included in the dockyard tour. Chatham and Pompey manage it with their exhibits, why can’t we?”

Bangerman agrees: “HMS Plymouth was to come to Millbay Docks but ABP withdrew an offer of a berth. She was scrapped in Turkey.”

What do you think about the new plans? Is it time to move on with a new development or should the Council be preserving Plymouth's history? Have your say in our comments section.