The University of Plymouth is acting as a catalyst for the regeneration of Plymouth Railway Station by becoming an anchor investor in the development with plans to locate purpose-built academic facilities on the site, building on the University’s significant track record in educating health professionals for the region and beyond.
The University has submitted the first planning pre-application in the programme that will see the area around the station transformed into a fitting new approach to the city.
The application is for a change of use of the former Intercity House from offices to academic facilities by way of a major refurbishment throughout and a full external rejuvenation – which will become known as Intercity Place.
Intercity Place will house inter-professional clinical skills facilities for the University’s Allied Health Professions and nursing/midwifery as well as additional educational services, enabling staff to be working together in one location to support the future health workforce.
University of Plymouth Vice-Chancellor, Professor Judith Petts CBE said:
“This forms an important part of the University’s ambitious estate plans which will transform the campus and reimagine university teaching and research spaces for the 21st century. The station scheme is an important part of these plans and will significantly improve this notable city landmark so that it becomes an exciting gateway into Plymouth. As a new home for allied health professions and nursing/midwifery, this builds on our already strong health credentials by making a significant investment in educating tomorrow’s health professionals for the region and beyond.”
The project has the backing of the Heart of the SW LEP, Cornwall Council, the Department for Transport and the Cabinet Office, as well as Plymouth City Council, Network Rail and Great Western Railway.
Leader of Plymouth City Council, Tudor Evans OBE commented:
“This scheme is incredibly complex and entails radical change to the look and feel of the area around the station to create a modern and friendly welcome for the increasing number of passengers. The project is huge, complicated and needs a city approach, which is why I am so excited to see this application from the University now submitted. We’ve started a journey to completely transform the station to create a better sense of arrival. With public transport playing a huge role in tackling climate change, this journey is more important than ever.”
The work is designed to unlock the regeneration of the area around the railway station which, when finished, will massively improve the welcome for visitors and commuters arriving in Britain’s Ocean City.
Upon receipt of planning consent, work on Intercity Place is due to commence early next year and to be completed by February 2021.
Stuart Cade, Director and lead architect at MICA added:
“MICA is delighted to be working with the University of Plymouth on the exciting transformation of a prominent Plymouth landmark. MICA’s design transforms the 10-storey station building with a new gleaming bronze anodised, pleated facade that supports a low energy strategy for the high performing academic building.”
The announcement forms part of the University’s wider Campus Masterplan to invest in its facilities over a ten year period.
