Preserving Plymouth's Heritage and Investing in the Future

Preserving the past 

Some of Plymouth’s oldest social homes are being given a new lease of life through a major heritage improvement programme in the city’s historic conservation area. 

Work is currently underway across Grade II listed properties in How Street, Looe Street and Vauxhall Street, where PCH is investing in essential improvements to 60 homes and two commercial properties. 

The programme spans 12 residential blocks and includes the replacement of ageing roofs and specialist repairs to historic timber sash windows. 

The programme has seen close collaboration between residents, contractors, Build X, conservation specialists Ventrolla, and local stakeholders such as Stay Dry Roofing and SOS Decorating.

 Chris Moysey, Contract Works Supervisor at Plymouth Community Homes said: 

“These are not standard refurbishment works. The buildings are Grade II listed properties located within a conservation area, meaning all works must preserve their historic character while protecting them for future generations.

Maintaining access, protecting historic features and carrying out complex work in a busy location has required extensive planning and engagement throughout the programme. We are grateful to our stakeholders, residents and partners for their continued support and collaboration, which have been instrumental in helping us successfully coordinate this project.

This project is a vital investment in protecting some of Plymouth’s earliest social housing for future generations. New roofs, chimney repairs, upgraded guttering and restoration of historic sash windows will help tackle damp and mould, while preserving the buildings’ Grade II listed status. The planned works demonstrate PCH’s commitment to improving residents’ homes and wellbeing while safeguarding the city’s architectural heritage."

Investing in the Future 

During the heritage improvements, contractor Build X SW identified an opportunity to deliver additional social value for the local community. 

The team recognised Martyn's Gate Garden, a community space directly opposite one of the properties, as an area with real potential. Although the garden had become overgrown in recent years, it has now been transformed into a welcoming space for local residents. 

Improvements included repairing walls, restoring benches, repainting railings and fixing the community noticeboard. A variety of new planting has also been introduced to enhance biodiversity, creating valuable habitats and food sources for pollinators and other wildlife. Students from City College Plymouth played a key role in the project, helping to deliver the improvements as part of their course-based learning. 

Sam Morcumb Business Development & Bid Manager from Build X said:  

"We hope this project will create a positive story for everyone involved and showcase the wider benefits of community collaboration.” 

To celebrate the transformation and thank everyone involved, partners gathered for a small reopening event on Wednesday 21 October. Students from City College Plymouth were recognised for their contribution to the project, while children from local nursery Little Tots helped mark the occasion by planting the final addition to the garden. 

Justin Francis, Head of Strategic Procurement at PCH said:  

"This project demonstrates exactly what we are looking to achieve through social value in our contracts. BuildX committed to delivering meaningful social value through their tender for our works at How, Looe and Vauxhall Street.  Seeing BuildX working with their wider supply chain, PCH, local residents and students to turn those commitments into tangible benefits for the community is a fantastic example of social value being delivered in practice.” 

Chris Moysey, Contract Works Supervisor at Plymouth Community Homes added: 

"It has been incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact that social value initiatives like this can have; not only through the physical improvements delivered, but through the connections, opportunities and sense of community they help create."