Fears a residential building could collapse have triggered emergency measures, forcing people from their homes and bringing major disruption to roads and public transport.
An exclusion zone has been put in place around the Evolution Cove block in Stonehouse after concerns were raised about the structural integrity of the building.
The move has led to road closures, diversions and the suspension of bus services in the area, particularly affecting routes towards Royal William Yard. Plymouth City Council said traffic conditions are difficult, with longer journey times and restricted access through the area.
The council said it is working with Citybus to find a “safe and workable solution”, but warned that buses will not be able to operate through the affected area in the meantime. People have been advised to consider alternative travel arrangements.
In a statement, the council said it recognised “the disruption that the road closures and diversions… are causing” and acknowledged the impact on residents, visitors and local businesses.
Officials said the restrictions are necessary due to a “serious risk to life” and stressed that public safety remains the priority.
On Friday, April 17, an exclusion zone of 27 metres was established around the building in Durnford Street as a precaution against a potential collapse.
Residents living in nearby properties in Emma Place Ope have been informed of the risk and encouraged to temporarily leave their homes if possible. The council said support will be available for those who have nowhere else to stay.
Several roads and pavements have been closed, including parts of Emma Place Ope, Emma Place, Barrack Place and Durnford Street. A temporary signal-controlled diversion route has been introduced, while pedestrians can still access the wider Stonehouse peninsula via the western footway along Durnford Street.
The building had already been vacated on March 20 by its management company, Centrick, after cracking was identified in the concrete frame within the car park. Residents were warned at the time of a potential collapse risk until structural supports could be installed.
Although the propping work was initially expected to begin immediately, delays have occurred due to the complexity of the work. Authorities now believe the condition of the building may have deteriorated further.
A prohibition order was issued by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service on Thursday, April 16, preventing all access to the block, which has since been secured.
Agencies including Plymouth City Council and the fire service have been working with the building’s managers to assess the extent of the structural issues and the level of risk.
The council said the decision to introduce the exclusion zone followed an assessment of the potential danger to nearby residents, pedestrians and road users.
Gary Walbridge, strategic director for adults, health and communities at Plymouth City Council, said: “Decisions about asking residents to leave their homes and closing roads are not taken lightly.
“The information we have is that there is a potential serious risk to the public if we keep the area open. The safety of residents, pedestrians and drivers must come first.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and will work with the building’s managers and our partners to reopen the roads and nearby properties once there is assurance that the building has been made safe.”
The council said it will continue to provide updates and will remove restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so.
