Work begins to improve car parking for Royal William Yard
The schemes are likely to take six months
The former reservoir at Plymouth's Devil's Point is being converted into additional parking for the waterfront - in the first stage of plans for more than 100 spaces at Royal William Yard.
The work is likely to take six months at the The Grade I listed site - which has been re-imagined by Urban Splash over the last two decades, transforming it from a derelict site into a vibrant destination.
The project, part of the long-term plan for Royal William Yard, is an extension to the existing nursery car park.
Tom Lowry, Development Manager at Urban Splash, said: “By delivering more places to park, we are enabling the Yard to better serve everyone that uses and enjoys this unique destination.
"This project is one of several underway as we continue the regeneration of Royal William Yard – writing the next chapter in a story that's been two centuries in the making. We want to add value and have a lasting impact on visitors, residents and businesses alike.”
What is happening?
The reservoir – which has been tucked away on the Western King headland – will maintain its historic perimeter wall as the new car park is developed within. In addition to the new spaces being created, the car park will have solar-powered lighting, clear road markings, pedestrian footpaths, and a new pedestrian crossing point.
An access point to the new car park will be created through the wall of Royal William Yard’s existing Nursery car park, with a ramp connecting the two areas and steps for pedestrians. Motorists will also be able to access it via Admiralty Road, through Plymouth City Council’s Devil’s Point car park, which will remain in situ as a public car park.
Disruption will be kept to a minimum, but during construction a small number of parking spaces in the top car park at Royal William Yard will be closed to allow the new access point to be created. Devil's Point public car park will be temporarily closed for a short period to enable it to be resurfaced and improved.
Environmental consideration has been built into the plans, with additional areas of new planting to be added. Swathes of wildflower seeding along the access route and bulb planting under trees around the parking areas will enrich the site's biodiversity. Royal William Yard is known for its outstanding landscaping and already holds awards from Britain in Bloom.
The car park expansion has been designed by Gillespie Yunnie Architects, the Devon-based firm that has worked on Royal William Yard's award-winning transformation since the outset. The design ensures the project complements the historic setting while providing practical improvements.
This project comes as Royal William Yard celebrates its bicentennial anniversary. Designed by legendary British engineer, Sir John Rennie, and named after King William IV, Royal William Yard was built in 1825 to equip Royal Navy fleets with food, drink and supplies. Urban Splash has revived this former Naval victualling yard from an unloved space into a must-visit location that receives over one million visits each year