Source: City of Plymouth
Plymouth’s city centre is shining brighter than ever after Old Town Street and New George Street scooped two major awards at last night’s prestigious Constructing Excellence South West Awards.
The transformative public realm project was crowned Infrastructure Project of the Year and also took home the award for Integration and Collaborative Working which is a true testament to the power of teamwork, vision, and sheer determination.
This once tired and run-down part of the city has been reborn as a vibrant, welcoming hub that’s drawing in visitors, boosting local businesses, and attracting exciting new brands to Plymouth. Delivered in a live, complex and historic environment, the project has already made a huge impact – footfall is surging and unit occupancy is on the rise.
Old Town Street and New George Street are already being used to host regular markets and musical performances, which have proven to be incredibly popular with locals and visitors alike. These events are breathing even more life into the area and showcasing the space’s potential as a cultural and community hotspot.
This project wasn’t just about looks, it was delivered with care, precision and real community impact. An impressive £4.2 million was reinvested into the local supply chain, with 82 per cent of the workforce hired from within 20 miles of the site, ensuring that the benefits of regeneration were felt directly by local people and businesses. This strong local focus helped create jobs, support small enterprises, and build lasting skills in the community.
Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “This is more than just paving stones and planting – it’s about breathing new life into the heart of our city. We’ve created a space that people want to spend time in, where families can meet, businesses can thrive, and visitors feel welcome. It’s a place that reflects the pride we have in Plymouth and the ambition we have for its future.
“Winning these two awards is a fantastic recognition of the hard work, collaboration and care that went into this project, but more importantly, it shows what’s possible when we invest in our city and our communities. And we’re not stopping here – this is just the beginning of something really special.”