Construction has now started on a £33.5m, eco-friendly community of affordable homes for social rent being delivered for Plymouth Community Homes in Millbay in the heart of Plymouth’s city centre.
The first construction phase will include a mix of 80 1 and 2 bed flats and 3 bed houses, and the second construction phase will include a further 55 homes, eventually providing 135 affordable homes for social rent to meet local housing need.
The scheme was awarded full planning permission at the end of 2023, and last autumn Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) and Plymouth City Council jointly secured vital grant funding from Homes England to enable building work to get started with appointed contractor Classic Builders, with build contracts being signed on 31 March 2026.
The land was transferred to PCH from the council in March 2026, with the local authority agreeing to sell the land following financial support from Homes England to unlock regeneration in the area.
Grants and funding contributions from the council total in excess of £5m from the Plan for Homes whilst funding from PCH of £14.2m through loans and subsidies, have also been agreed.
The scheme is being delivered by PCH, Plymouth’s largest social housing landlord with over 16,000 properties providing homes to over 35,000 people in Plymouth and the surrounding areas.
PCH has a Growth Strategy to build 1,500 new affordable homes in the area over the next five years, and a long-term ambition for the wider Devon and Cornwall region to provide even more high quality, affordable housing for local people and families and meet local housing need. The Bath Street scheme is a key part of this strategy and PCH is working in partnership with the council to enable its delivery.
The council has supported the site preparation, and the project received £1,500,000 from the UK Government through the Land Release Fund. This supported upfront public realm improvements to enable new homes to come forward.
CGI of Bath Street Development – Credit: Childs Sulzmann Architects
The new community will feature communal gardens, children’s play areas in open green spaces and commercial business units. Parking provision is included in line with agreed planning guidance for sustainable city centre developments, with 26 on-site spaces, including four disabled parking spaces, electric vehicle charging points and six drop-off bays.
This level of provision reflects the scheme’s sustainable location and design, which prioritises walking, cycling and access to public transport. Should additional parking capacity be required, discussions are ongoing with the city council to explore the potential use of existing spaces within Western Approach public car parks.
This approach supports the aim for the Bath Street scheme to be an eco-friendly, urban city centre development, with footpaths and cycle paths integrated throughout the scheme to encourage active and sustainable travel where possible.
Chris Brook, Executive Director of Place at Plymouth Community Homes, said: “We’re delighted that building work has now started on the first 80 homes for social rent being developed in Millbay, and this is a very exciting time for Plymouth Community Homes and the city of Plymouth.
“It’s fantastic to continue our partnership with Homes England and Plymouth City Council as schemes like these simply can’t happen without it. I can’t wait to build on this as we move ahead with our Growth Strategy, creating more affordable homes across the city and the Devon and Cornwall region to provide excellent social housing for local people and families who need it most.”
Andrew Lawrie, Head of Development at Plymouth Community Homes, added: “Having started work on this project almost eight years ago, it was fantastic to mark the start of the work at one of our key schemes with our partners Homes England, Plymouth City Council and Classic Builders as we take another step closer to providing 135 new affordable homes for social rent in Plymouth city centre.”
“The substantial grant funding has enabled us to make a start to the regeneration of this area of the city centre, and we’re extremely grateful to Plymouth City Council for their support in helping us to secure the Government funding, and to Homes England for their grant support.”
Glenn Caplin-Grey, Strategic Director for Growth at Plymouth City Council, said: "The new homes in this development will make a difference to so many Plymouth families and we're really pleased to see work begin.
"Getting to this stage has been a real team effort that builds upon our successful track record of partnership working with PCH and Homes England.
“I look forward to seeing work progress over the coming months."
Shahi Islam, Director of Affordable Housing Grants at Homes England, said: “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting Plymouth Community Homes to achieve their ambitions.
“The start of construction on the Millbay site marks a key milestone and is a prime example of how we are working with partners, through the Affordable Homes Programme, to achieve our mission of creating thriving communities.”
Luke Pollard, Labour Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said: “This is the start of 10,000 new homes for the city centre, and we are starting strong with an entirely affordable scheme. This shows exactly what we can achieve when we all work together with a single mission of building more homes for local people.”
Adam Brimacombe, Director at Classic Builders, said: “Classic Builders is delighted to be appointed as the main contractor for the first phase of the Bath Street West development within Plymouth’s Millbay regeneration area, part of the wider Mackay Vision for the city.
“As a Plymouth-based contractor, we’re proud to be involved in a project that will make a real difference to the local community. We are committed to working with our trusted local supply chain, creating opportunities for regional businesses, and ensuring lasting social value.
“We look forward to playing our part in delivering high-quality homes and supporting the continued growth and regeneration of our home city.”
Completion of the first 80 homes in the scheme for social rent is estimated to take place by early 2029. All available homes to rent will be advertised on Devon Home Choice. To bid for a property or to be considered for a tenancy, registration will need to be completed using their online application form.
Take a look at our video below as work starts on site at Bath Street:
Photo caption: Jonathan Cowie, Chief Executive, Plymouth Community Homes, Chris Brook, Executive Director of Place, Plymouth Community Homes, Andrew Lawrie, Head of Development, Plymouth Community Homes, Craig Francis, Senior Development Manager, Plymouth Community Homes, Adam Brimacombe, Director, Classic Builders,Paul Glenister, Classic Builders,Sam Nicholson, Principal Surveyor, Plymouth City Council,Nick Carter, Head of Housing & Regeneration, Plymouth City Council,Neil Mawson, Housing Delivery Manager, Plymouth City Council,Helen Bone, Regional Head of MPP (Markets, Partners & Places) - South West, Homes England,Joe Wharton, Assistant Director of MPP (South), Homes England,Cllr Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Plymouth City Council
