Bid to boost UK's first-ever National Marine Park
There will also be investments in the Tinside Lido, a makeover for the Mount Batten Peninsula and the restoration of parts of the Mount Edgcumbe estate
Last updated 12th Sep 2023
An £8-million transformation of Plymouth's waterfront is on the cards as the council prepares to bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund to boost the UK's first-ever National Marine Park
A spokesperson for the council said: "Its creation will lead to opportunities for residents and visitors to reconnect with and explore the ocean in exciting new ways, boosting the city’s credentials both economically and environmentally.
"Working alongside residents and the wider community is key to changing the way a city interacts with its environment; to care for, protect it and use it in different ways to develop a healthier and more harmonious relationship with the ocean."
There will also be investments in the Tinside Lido, a makeover for the Mount Batten Peninsula and the restoration of parts of the Mount Edgcumbe estate in the plans.
Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: "The Plymouth Sound National Marine Park would still be a pie in the sky, but for the support and enthusiasm of the great Plymouth public and I'm so grateful to each and every resident who has engaged with us as we've put this bid together.
"A great debt of gratitude is owed to so many people for studious work that has gone into making this plan a potential reality.
"I think it shows the best of Plymouth - great minds and great organisations coming together with an idea and building it in to something that will make the city that we love an even better place to live and work."
Councillor Andy Lugger, Leader of the Opposition, added: "I am so pleased to see the bid submitted and echo the thanks to residents for supporting us on the journey so far.
"Plymouth's association with the sea goes back to the very first settlers who arrived here in the Bronze Age so to be on the verge of delivering the UK's very first National Marine Park is so very exciting. My family originates from Turnchapel, so I am sure my ancestors would have been proud of the initiative."
If the bid is successful, an innovative five year plan will be rolled out designed to maximise the number of people accessing the park.