Work is nearing completion on a scheme to transform one of Plymouth’s historic naval buildings into a creative hub “of regional and national significance”.
The 11-month Ocean Studios project not only involves upgrading the Grade I listed buildings surrounding the Royal William Yard — originally built between 1826 and 1835 as a Royal Navy victualing yard — but also reclaiming acres of land from Plymouth Sound to provide a new car park.
The Ministry of Defence eventually passed the land on to Plymouth City Council, which then leased it to Urban Splash. It is now developing the entire 16-acre Factory Cooperage site and converting one of the two buildings into the Ocean Studios
When complete the creative complex will contain individual and open plan studios, workshops and administration offices. There will also be two educational areas for hosting conferences and seminars, and retail units to allow the tenants to sell their work.
“This is quite a complex listed historical building, so the project has presented some logistical challenges,” explained Darrel Coltrini from surveyors Ward Williams Associates.
“Currently groundworks are almost finished with half of the yard made up of ground reclaimed from Plymouth Sound, making the ground conditions very different along the length of the building.
“There are also significant repairs to the historic stonework and interior,” added the conservation trained surveyor. “The two-storey building has a cast iron open colonnade running along one side. This will become the gallery space and will incorporate the original limestone slab floor and be enclosed by frameless glass walling running the whole length of the colonnade.”
In keeping with its landmark location, the venue’s business development manager Leigh Mason said: “The project is geared to becoming a centre recognised as an outstanding facility that attracts exhibitions and residencies by internationally renowned artists … Ocean Studios will be of national and regional significance and unlock economic and cultural value for decades to come.”
Tudor Evans is leader of Plymouth City Council which has supported the project by bringing together various funding elements. “We believe in this fantastic showpiece scheme because it has the potential to create jobs, skills and economic growth in Plymouth,” he commented.
“As a co-operative council we are working with people to make great ideas become a reality and Ocean Studios and the creative sector are a key priority market for the city’s economy and well-being.”
Kickstarter funding for the scheme also came from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership. “We are delighted to be supporting Ocean Studios development through our Growing Places Fund, which will bring much needed space and support to the creative sector in Plymouth,” said the LEP’s chief executive, Chris Garcia.
“There is huge potential for this project to be a catalyst for good across the city, nurturing our home grown talent and equipping people with the skills to run a successful business.”
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