Celebrating vitality, moving people around and supporting each other are some of the actions proposed in a new five year plan for Plymouth’s Waterfront: A Place for Life.
The Plymouth Waterfront Partnership has unveiled the plan following a nine-month consultation with businesses and is proposing a fourth term of the Waterfront Business Improvement District (2027 to 2032).
Representing more than 940 businesses across Plymouth’s city-centre Waterfront from Mount Batten to Mayflower Marina, encompassing the Barbican, Bretonside, Sutton Harbour, Millbay, Royal William Yard and Plymouth Hoe, the BID has delivered three five-year plans since 2012.
This new vibrant plan sets out a refreshed vision to meet the needs of the city and its economy, firmly setting the direction to become one of Europe’s most attractive places at the forefront of Britain’s Ocean City. Three interconnected themes of Planet, People and Place form the core of the business-led plan which align with city strategies and policies to create one unified plan for the Waterfront, bringing together business ideas with the goals of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, local economic strategy and City Living Framework.
Nick Buckland OBE, Chair of the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership Board said:
“With fifteen years of delivery and three business plans behind us, we are delighted to be introducing our most advanced Plymouth Waterfront BID plan so far. In developing a fourth BID term for 2027-2032, we’re presenting our vision, our passion and our actions that have been shaped by you, our Waterfront businesses. This is a united plan for Plymouth’s City-Centre Waterfront area, business-led and accurately aligned to deliver city strategy, and we will deliver this plan together. Thank you for your investments and all you are doing to bring life and excitement to this special place.”
Four key actions have been pledged:
✅ Celebrating Our Vitality: enhanced existing and new events, bolder Waterfront marketing, vibrant Evening & Night-time, and promotion of the diversity of businesses and services to the Greater Plymouth area.
✅ Moving People Around: improved interpretation and transport connections within and around the Waterfront, enhanced signage and digital access, and making more of our culture through curation and trails.
✅ Shaping Our Place: champion environmental excellence, cleanliness and preservation of our heritage, work with partners to reduce waste volumes and instances of anti-social behaviour, and plan for future homes, job creation and business opportunities.
✅ Supporting Each Other: tailor our work to support all business sectors to benefit, share best practice and work together, invest in employee training and reduced business costs, and provide enhanced business communications, liaison and support.
Sarah Gibson, Chief Executive and Plymouth Waterfront Manager said:
“A Place for Life is our most important plan yet being more advanced in its ambition and co-design than all we’ve achieved previously for Plymouth’s Waterfront. We’ve listened carefully to business suggestions and whilst we’re getting back to basics to focus on accessibility, presentation and safety, we’ll also support each other much more and make the most of our unique blue, green and historical place aligned with the Protected Landscapes that surround us. The BID4 projects are designed to bring more joy, connection and celebration to the Waterfront area, provide for a more caring and considerate experience, and offer business benefits and savings. A Place for Life will make this an even better place better for all.”
Through alignment with the city’s strategies and policies, the Waterfront BID4 plan also supports wider ambitions for Plymouth’s growth and economic security.
Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said:
“Thank you for the investment, confidence and commitment you have already shown in Plymouth. The new Waterfront BID4 plan rises to the opportunities before us with ambition and energy. It is both forward-looking and celebratory, and we are delighted to continue working in partnership with our Waterfront business community over the next five years as we build on our successes and create an even brighter future together.”
The BID4 plan is available to read in full at https://waterfrontbid.co.uk/about-bid-4/
