Plymouth, recently rebranded as "Britain's ocean city," has a centuries-old connection to defence, dating back to Sir Francis Drake and the Mayflower. Now, local leaders hope renewed government investment in the defence industry will boost the city's fortunes, creating thousands of new jobs and sparking a major regeneration.
Investment in Devonport Dockyard
The government has pledged £4.4bn over the next decade for Plymouth's Devonport dockyard, the largest naval base in Western Europe. This investment is expected to create up to 25,000 new jobs at the dockyard and across the supply chain, according to council estimates. Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, says the roles will be better paid than many in the region, where average weekly wages trail those in the rest of England. "It's going to give Plymouth as a whole a pay rise," he notes.
Local Defence Sector Growth
Around 300 companies in the maritime and defence supply chain are located in Plymouth. Babcock, which oversees repairs and maintenance of the UK's nuclear submarine fleet, is moving 2,000 of its 7,500 employees into the city centre, converting a former House of Fraser store into a training centre and offices. Germany's Helsing produces underwater drones in the city, while France's Thales operates a marine autonomy centre and supplies uncrewed surface boats and flying drones. Plymouth Sound has become a test bed for autonomous maritime systems, equipped with 5G and loudspeakers.
Regeneration Plans
The council aims to build 10,000 new homes in the city centre, including 144 rental flats and a skills hub inside the 14-storey civic centre. Homes England has bought four large sites for social housing. The regeneration is needed, as the 1960s concrete vision for the city centre has not aged well, leaving the area deserted after 5pm. Although Plymouth was not selected as a government new town, ministers have promised a "bespoke solution package" to allow expansion as a centre of naval technology, with details expected in summer.
Challenges and Concerns
Some residents worry that defence investment may not benefit everyone. Dr. Mike Sheaff, an associate lecturer at the University of Plymouth, says local leaders must ensure economic growth is shared equitably. Rising living costs are also a concern, with average monthly rent hitting £985 in March, a 30% increase over five years. Victoria Allen, CEO of housing charity Path, says new housing is "hugely needed" to reduce competition and address homelessness.
Despite challenges, many see potential. Terri Beer, a former lord mayor, welcomes the defence spending, noting that Plymouth is often overlooked. "We are vulnerable in the UK, defence-wise, and it's important that investment is made in defence and creates jobs for people, particularly here in Plymouth," she says.
With its natural beauty, cultural attractions like the Box museum, and a theatre hosting West End shows, Plymouth has much to offer. The regeneration aims to make it an appealing place to live, ensuring that the wages of defence workers stay in the city rather than disappearing down the A38 and M5 at the weekend.
