Two buildings in Plymouth city centre, described as 'eyesores', are being demolished to make room for a new cultural cluster. The demolition is part of a £353,250 project funded by levelling-up money received by Plymouth City Council in 2023. The buildings being torn down are the former Plymouth Social Club and a museum annex at Tavistock Place.

The work, being carried out by Devon’s Gilpin Demolition, is now well underway, with specialists on site. Chapel Street, located at the rear of the site, has been closed until April 11 to ensure safety during the demolition.

Although the city council has yet to release detailed plans for the site, Plymouth Culture’s new Creative Industries Plan envisions the area around The Box, Arts University Plymouth, and the University of Plymouth as a 'culture cluster'. This initiative is aimed at attracting and retaining talented individuals and businesses.

The former museum annex was located in a building that had originally been a school in the 19th century. After the £50m The Box museum and art gallery opened five years ago, the annex became 'surplus to requirements'.

The council, which owns the land, has approved the demolition plans. The Plymouth Social Club closed in March 2017 after the council bought back a share of ownership from the club.

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