Shovels in the ground for Armada Way work

'CITY CENTRE REGENERATION ON A MASSIVE SCALE'

- ANNETTE BELCHER

A LONG-awaited regeneration scheme that will completely transform part of Plymouth's city centre is now finally off the starting blocks.

Council leader Tudor Evans and Cllr Mark Lowry marked the start of work on the Armada Way scheme by digging the ground at the top compound near North Cross.

Councillor Evans said: "This is a big day and a big deal. We said we would sort Armada Way and we are. "It's been a hell of a journey, but we are determined to make it worthwhile. There is so much to be gained from this scheme - new spaces for events and activities, places to play, better lighting, better seating, new CCTV cameras to help prevent antisocial behaviour, new landscapes to provide for biodiversity and a sustainable urban drainage system which will relieve pressure on our ageing drainage system. We are investing in the city centre because we think it is important and the right thing to do."

City centre Champion Mark Lowry added: "We would like to thank the businesses for their continued patience and support while we worked through all the challenges a scheme of this ambition has thrown up. Investors are watching this with great interest.