Carnival and a magical Elizabethan Christmas weekend could be part of an exciting events line up for Plymouth’s Waterfront if businesses vote to endorse the new business plan for the next five years.
The Council’s Cabinet are being given a flavour of some of the great events and ideas based on the themes of ‘People, Planet and Place’ that could be rolled out across the area, from the Mount Batten peninsula in the east to the Royal William Yard in the west and everything in between.
The events are designed to draw people in to spend time and money in the 941 businesses within the BID area as well as have fun on the city’s Waterfront and enjoy all that the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park has to offer.
Firm favourites Plymouth Pirates Weekend, Seafest, and the Santa Fun Run are all in the mix but plans are also afoot to use Tinside Cove and Lion’s Den as outdoor theatre spaces as well as new activity at Mount Batten Park.
The plan is not just about hosting events but looking after and supporting the businesses, from place marketing to staff training, championing local food and supporting rejuvenation of the Fish Quay as well as local supplier recommendations, networking and support for recruitment and staff retention.
Sarah Gibson, Chief Executive of Plymouth Waterfront Partnership said:
“We have a fabulous Waterfront with an incredible range of businesses and experiences on offer.
“Since 2012, we’ve worked hard together and achieved enormous delivery over the past 15 years during the three terms of the Waterfront BID, we’re now seeking a fourth term to deliver even more through to 2032.
“Following several months of consultation, we have designed one, unified plan to make the most of our unique place and celebrate our life and vitality while delivering key projects alongside our partners.
“Through the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and the BID, Waterfront businesses play a key role in the city’s economy and crucially, making all our residents feel good about where they live. It’s been a challenging few years for many businesses especially in the hospitality sector – we want people to love and support their Waterfront by coming back again and again.”
The Plymouth Waterfront Partnership plan will also champion:
- Plymouth’s blue and green economy, supporting the Green Tourism Scheme and the Plymouth Plan for Nature and People.
- Improved day, evening and night-time management through taxi marshals, PARC Rangers, and Purple Flag support.
- Expanded Christmas illuminations in more Waterfront areas.
- Celebration of local artistic talent such as Beryl Cook and Robert Lenkiewicz.
Also on the to-do list is the ongoing reduction of single-use plastic and waste, efforts to make the Waterfront easy and enjoyable to explore with improved information on transport links for ferries, buses, coaches and cars, refreshed signage and place marketing and interpretation, and better Wi-Fi, updated maps and trails.
The plan also highlights the Waterfront’s role in Plymouth’s wider growth, ensuring businesses benefit from defence investment and citywide regeneration. Key priorities include engaging with the City Living Framework, Plymouth Plan and Hoe Neighbourhood Plan, updated management plans for the Barbican, Hoe and Stonehouse Conservation Areas as well as a new visual identity for the Barbican Conservation Area, including Covent Garden-style barrows and boat planters.
Councillor Matt Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing, City Centre Regeneration and Events, said: “As a Council we have invested significantly in the Waterfront area through the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, Tinside Lido and Mount Batten, we know it’s the key attraction that draws people to Plymouth.
“This plan sets out a very clear direction for this important and historic part of our city. It’s about helping businesses to thrive but it also a plan with a great deal of joy running through it. We want Plymouth to be a fun and vibrant place to be and for people to be proud of the city they live in. This plan certainly helps to achieve that and we’re grateful to the businesses for their partnership.”
Cabinet will discuss the plan when it meets on July 20 and is being recommended to support and endorse the principles and approach of the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and its draft Waterfront BID4 Plan: A Place for Life (2027 to 2032).
The Cabinet report also gives the green light for the ballot to be held later this year.
Eligible businesses within the BID area will vote on whether to approve the final Waterfront BID4 Business Plan. If the ballot is successful, all liable businesses within the Business Improvement District area will be required to pay the annual BID levy.
The proposed business plan is expected to bring in around £2.46 million in levy income over the five-year term as well as £50,000 of other private sector income.
The Council’s direct financial and in-kind support is projected at £144,873, comprising an estimated £99,873 BID levy payment and approximately £45,000 in-kind support for levy collection, administration and legal costs.
It will continue to deliver existing services for the Waterfront area through service level agreements including street cleansing and waste management, maintenance including highways, lighting and green infrastructure as well as the management of car parks and related assets.
The Council will also maintain community safety infrastructure and services, including CCTV as well as manage its Waterfront and maritime assets and continue to support the city’s cultural, leisure, and visitor economy offer through its citywide marketing and place promotion and major events support.
