Next phase for Oceansgate submitted to planners

The next stage of the Oceansgate development in Plymouth has been submitted to planners.

A planning application has been submitted for a series of innovation barns – high spec large industrial units for use as workshops and prototyping along with project offices.

Over 1,700 square metres of high-quality space within eight units is being planned to expand the existing Oceansgate complex, which is already home to 14 light industrial units and 12 offices.

Cllr Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Plymouth is at the forefront of marine innovation and a key part of its success is enabling businesses to collaborate with each other and test prototypes.

“The first two phases have regenerated and revived land that had been unused by the MOD for decades. There are over 170 people employed directly or indirectly thanks to Oceansgate.

“We need to make sure Plymouth stays at the forefront of marine innovation and this is the ideal place to help make this happen.

“South Yard was literally built for the city’s marine industry – an industry which changes all the time. These proposals should help the city of Plymouth continue to lead in this key sector.”

The planning application proposes two buildings that would be similar in style, but a higher specification to the already high-spec offices and industrial units at Oceansgate.

Historic England have been part of the pre-application discussions along with the council’s planning department.

The Plymouth and South Devon Freeport have allocated seed capital grant of £3.256m and the council is service borrowing of £3.274m to fund the plans.