16 Mar Plans for Melville Approved

Revised proposals for the redevelopment of the Grade II listed Melville have been approved by Councillors.

Developer Urban Splash will transform the historic building at the Royal William Yard in Plymouth into a hotel, restaurant and retail space. In addition, the development will also create a new events space within the courtyard.

The former naval depot was built between 1826 and 1835 and passed into private ownership after its closure in 1992. The Melville Building, which is one of the most iconic buildings at the Yard, originally operated as the headquarters and storehouse for clothing, food and equipment.

The grade I-listed building is currently on the Historic England, Buildings at Risk register and features the original clock tower, designed by Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy. The scheme will preserve a piece of history and continue the regeneration of Plymouth, particularly within the leisure and tourism sector, acting as a catalyst for future economic and social development.

WWA are providing Project Management, Quantity Surveying and CDM Principal Designer services on the scheme.

Simon Venner, Principal Project Manager, commented “This scheme will create a vibrant mixed use space for local people and visitors to enjoy, whilst ensuring that this significant building at the Royal William Yard will exist for many years to come. Plymouth is undergoing a major transformation right now, with enhanced leisure, tourism and retail opportunities. The developments at the Royal William Yard have created a high quality visitor destination and helped put Plymouth on the map”.