A major new phase in shaping Plymouth’s future is about to begin, with residents now being invited to sign up and be part of the conversation about how the city centre could evolve into a vibrant place to live.
Engagement on the City Living Framework will begin shortly after the local election in May, but the groundwork is already being laid to ensure that people across Plymouth are ready, informed and able to get involved from day one.
This next step follows the appointment of global placemaking specialists WSP, who are leading work on a new development framework and masterplan that will explore how underused areas of the city centre could be transformed into sustainable neighbourhoods with thousands of new homes, green streets and lively public spaces. Their role includes launching a new digital engagement site – the starting point for a platform that will grow and evolve as the project develops, offering updates, event information and opportunities for residents to have their say.
The engagement approach is designed to be active, visible and connected to the communities it serves. Instead of traditional consultation confined to meeting rooms, the masterplanning team will be out across the city, speaking with people directly – from long-standing neighbourhood groups to first time renters, businesses, students, families and organisations representing Plymouth’s diverse communities. This reflects the Council’s commitment to ensuring residents are at the heart of shaping the vision and have many opportunities to contribute throughout the process. A formal public consultation on the draft vision and masterplan is also planned for Autumn 2026.
Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “This is a game-changing moment for Plymouth. We’ve made huge strides improving our city centre, but the missing piece has always been housing – homes that bring life, energy and people back into the heart of our city.
“It is really important that local Plymouth people have the ability to live in the city centre again, after an 80‑year gap. So we want to hear from people who might be buying or renting in the city centre in the future, because their voices will shape what this looks like.
“What excites me most is the way we’re doing this. This isn’t a plan written behind closed doors. The masterplanning team will be out across Plymouth meeting people, hearing different voices and making sure our communities shape what comes next.
“I want everyone who cares about Plymouth’s future to sign up, get involved, and help us build a city centre that truly works for everyone.
“Since their appointment, the team have been working through the ‘discover phase’ to make sure that they properly understand the city and its strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. Rest assured, no plans for development will be prepared until engagement commences and the project moves to the ‘define’ stage. We are committed to a co‑design process, and that means understanding what people want before plans are drafted.”
Jim Coleman, WSP Chief Economist, said: “It is an immense pleasure to be leading the expert team developing Plymouth’s City Living Framework. This unique city is critical to the UK’s future defence, and this evolving role provides the much sought-after opportunity to reimagine Plymouth city centre, making it an attractive and enjoyable place for those who have spent their entire lives here, and those who are yet to come.”
Glenn Howells, Howells Architects, said: ‘’I strongly believe Plymouth is at a pivotal point in its history and I am excited and privileged to be part of the team to help unlock its huge potential to be one of Europe’s most thriving and liveable cities.’’
Alex Ely, Mae Architects, added: “We are excited by opportunity to reimagine the city centre as a desirable place to live. Through design we can enhance the parts that work and repair and remake the places that don’t.’’
The City Living Framework is part of a wider ambition, supported by Homes England, to deliver up to 10,000 new homes in and around the city centre and bring forward a bold new chapter for Plymouth. As the engagement platform goes live, residents, businesses and stakeholders are encouraged to sign up now so they can follow progress, join events and help shape proposals as they emerge.
To sign up to find out more, go to: https://plymouthcityliving.commonplace.is/
