Plymouth Community Homes appoints design team for Marlborough House regeneration

Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) has today announced the design team that will take forward the regeneration of Marlborough House, a major high-rise redevelopment project in the heart of Plymouth.

The project will replace the existing 14-storey tower block to bring a new generation of residential development to Plymouth, with high-rise social rented homes, marking a significant moment for the city. This is expected to be the first new high rise building for social rent delivered in Plymouth in several years, underlining both the scale of ambition and responsibility to deliver a high-quality new building for the community that is future thinking.

Following a robust procurement process, PCH has appointed a team of firms all with a strong track record of delivering regeneration projects both nationally and in the South-West to lead the next stage of work at Marlborough House, with design development now under way.

Building Design Partnership (BDP) will take on the role of Lead Designer and Architect, as well as Principal Designer for both Building Regulations and CDM. BDP is a well-established firm with a strong presence in the South-West. The company brings extensive experience in complex regeneration and residential led schemes – including high rise developments.

BDP will work alongside a wider project team of specialists, many of which have strong regional and local connections. The full design team tasked with overseeing the next stage of the redevelopment project include:

Building Design Partnership – Lead Designer/Architect, building regulations and CDM

Randall Simmonds LLP – Employer’s Agent

Airey and Coles Consulting Engineers – Structural and Civil Engineers

OFR Consultants Ltd – Fire Engineers

Expedite Building Services Ltd – M&E Engineers

PLC Planning Limited – Planning Consultant

Craig Oakes Transport Planning – Transport Consultant

Work is already underway to put together designs for the estimated £45 million Marlborough House regeneration project, first announced by PCH in September 2024.

The regeneration represents a major long-term investment and will see the existing, which is no longer fit for purpose, building replaced with a new high-rise development delivering modern homes, designed to meet the highest standards of energy efficiency, building safety and sustainable living.

The project aims to be a step change in quality for social housing in Plymouth, creating new social homes that not only meet future standards but also establish a new benchmark for high-rise living.

It will deliver new social homes fit for the future, whilst bringing lasting benefits for residents and the wider Devonport and Plymouth community. The development forms part of PCH’s commitment to maintaining and growing the number of affordable homes available to local people across Plymouth and the South West.

Design work is now progressing, with the newly appointed team working together to explore how the site can be redeveloped in a way that works for the local community.

As designs are developed, proposals will be shared with local residents and stakeholders through a full public consultation process, ensuring the community have the opportunity to help shape the future of Marlborough House and understand the plans being presented.

Nicola Daniel, Development Manager at Plymouth Community Homes, said:

“We’re delighted to now confirm details of the experienced team of consultants we will be working with on the regeneration of Marlborough House, a landmark high-rise project in Plymouth.

"This is an exciting step forward in a project that aims to deliver much needed high-quality homes for the local community. It will bring a new generation of high rise, social residential development to Plymouth – and with that comes the responsibility to deliver something exceptional – a tall building that residents can call home and that works for years to come.

"It’s also great to see firms with connections to the South West working on this project, which is something that we at PCH really value.

"Designs are now being developed – but I want to be clear we absolutely welcome both residents and the local community to get involved as they take shape. We are fully committed to having meaningful consultation, and we can’t wait to share details and to progress plans as we look to make Marlborough House fit for the future.”

Adam Darby, Associate Architect at BDP, said: 

“BDP is delighted to be appointed for the Marlborough House redevelopment project, working with Plymouth Community Homes to deliver a high-quality, sustainable new residential scheme in Devonport. 

"The scheme will provide 100% affordable homes, designed to meet all energy-efficiency and building safety standards. We are excited to be working alongside the wider team to achieve the client’s commitment to create long-term social value and accessible living.”

Over the coming months, the project team will develop initial designs ahead of public consultation events and activity, details of which will be shared shortly.

Photo caption: The main image pictures the existing building which will be replaced.