Designing Plymouth’s Future

Plymouth: Design, Regeneration & City Living 

An afternoon of discussion, project visits and connections exploring how design can shape Plymouth’s next chapter. 

Plymouth is at a pivotal moment. With £4.4 billion being invested in Devonport and significant employment growth expected, how can ‘Britain’s Ocean City’ best deliver the homes and places needed to support its future? 

Join Design West for a conversation bringing together government, city leaders, developers and designers to explore the role of design in city-centre regeneration and housing delivery. 

Plymouth’s new City Living Framework will guide the delivery of around 10,000 city-centre homes. Through national perspectives, city-wide ambitions and a closer look at the transformation of the Civic Centre, we’ll explore how design quality can build investment confidence, support delivery and create distinctive neighbourhoods with lasting value.

FROM AMBITION TO DELIVERY

With design at the heart of the new NPPF and Government’s new Design and Placemaking PPG due for imminent publication, discover what this renewed focus on design means for regeneration and housing delivery in Plymouth. 

Our panel will connect national policy with city-wide ambition and practical project experience, exploring how design quality can support investment confidence, planning certainty and viable development – and create places of lasting value. 

Hear perspectives from: 

• Sarah Allan, MHCLG – national thinking on design quality, housing and regeneration. 

• Stuart Wingfield, Director Strategic Planning & Infrastructure, Plymouth City Council – Plymouth’s vision for growth and city-centre living. 

• Glenn Howells, Director, Howells – the City Living Framework and the design of connected neighbourhoods. 

• Helen Bone, Regional Head South West, Homes England – the importance partnership to unlock delivery 

The discussion will be preceded by a study tour of Armada Way and, subject to confirmation, access to the Civic Centre: an opportunity to explore the transformation of a significant listed building.  

Continue the conversation at a Design West drinks reception before joining our Stirling Prize talk.

PROGRAMME

• 3 pm  –  Arrival, Refreshments & Tour 

• 4 pm  – Panel Discussion: Designing Plymouth’s Future 

• 5.30 pm – Drinks Reception & Networking 

• 6.15 pm – RIBA Stirling Prize Lecture 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Developers, landowners, housing providers, investors, planners, property advisers, architects, urban designers, landscape architects and engineers—as well as anyone involved in shaping Plymouth’s future. 

RIBA Stirling Prize Lecture 

This event forms part of Plymouth by Design, an ambitious celebration of the power of design to drive regeneration, for people, prosperity and planet.  You are welcome to stay into the evening for the Stirling Prize Lecture, with the winner of the RIBA Stirling Prize 2026, Mary Duggan, held in Partnership with the University of Plymouth and RIBA. Simply book a Sector Forum + Stirling Prize Ticket below.