Warning Of Disruption As Work Resumes In City Centre

WORK on the £7 million regeneration of Plymouth city centre’s New George Street and Old Town Street is to be stepped up from this week

- William Telford

Businesses have been told to expect the “intensity of the work” to increase “considerably”, after it was hit by lengthy delays.

The revamp was stopped before Christmas to give traders a break during the busy shopping season and then further slowed when construction crews unearthed obstacles including a Victorian tram line.

Construction began again in February but little progress appears to have been made.

However, Plymouth City Centre Company has told businesses to prepare for a hike in activity and prepare for disruption. Meanwhile, the company has explained that the “much-needed” £12.7m regeneration of Armada Way has been delayed, pending legal action. It said it was “disappointed” the scheme had been portrayed “so negatively by protesters” and that the 110 trees felled by Plymouth City Council cannot be removed pending the commissioning of an independent ecologist to carry out a review. It said the proposed revamp was “vital for the future viability of the city centre” and the growth of its businesses.