Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) has appointed a multi-disciplinary design agency to take forward the regeneration of Marlborough House, a £45m high-rise redevelopment project in Devonport, Plymouth.
PCH said the scheme will replace the existing 14-storey tower block with a new generation of high-rise social rented homes, marking what is expected to be Plymouth’s first newly delivered social rent tower in several years.
Following a procurement process, PCH confirmed that Building Design Partnership (BDP) will lead the project as architect, lead designer and principal designer for both Building Regulations and CDM responsibilities.
The wider consultancy team includes Randall Simmonds LLP as the employer’s agent, Airey and Coles Consulting Engineers as structural and civil engineers, OFR Consultants as fire engineers, Expedite Building Services as M&E engineers, PLC Planning as planning consultant and Craig Oakes Transport Planning as transport consultant.
PCH first announced plans for the regeneration project in September 2024. The existing Marlborough House building is set to be demolished and replaced with a new high-rise development designed to modern building safety, sustainability and energy efficiency standards.
The housing association said the development would create “a new benchmark for high-rise living” in Plymouth while delivering long-term affordable housing for local residents.
Nicola Daniel, development manager at PCH, said: “We’re delighted to now confirm details of the experienced team of consultants we will be working with on the regeneration of Marlborough House, a landmark high-rise project in Plymouth.
“This is an exciting step forward in a project that aims to deliver much needed high-quality homes for the local community. It will bring a new generation of high rise, social residential development to Plymouth – and with that comes the responsibility to deliver something exceptional.”
Daniel added that PCH was keen to ensure local engagement shaped the final proposals and confirmed that consultation with residents and stakeholders would form a key part of the next phase.
Adam Darby, associate architect at BDP, said the practice was “delighted” to be appointed to the project.
“The scheme will provide 100% affordable homes, designed to meet all energy-efficiency and building safety standards,” he said. “We are excited to be working alongside the wider team to achieve the client’s commitment to create long-term social value and accessible living.”
Design work is now underway, with public consultation events expected to take place in the coming months as proposals are developed further.
According to previous reports, residents were moved out of Marlborough House after concerns over the condition and long-term viability of the building.