A major redevelopment of Plymouth’s Mount Batten Centre has begun, as the peninsula undergoes a £4 million transformation. The upgrade will bring improvements to the reception area, the creation of a ground-floor café with outdoor seating, and new changing facilities that meet the highest standards.

The updated design includes accessible and inclusive spaces, with provisions for multicultural and family changing, as well as separate areas for public use. The facilities will also feature slip-resistant flooring, durable materials, and adaptable layouts to ensure safety and flexibility for different users. The new changing facilities have been designed to meet both Sport England and Changing Places toilet standards.

In addition to the new internal facilities, substantial improvements will be made to areas surrounding the centre and the historic 17th Century Artillery Tower. New outdoor terraced seating areas will provide space for visitors to relax and enjoy an “ambient welcome to the centre.”

The Mount Batten Tower will benefit from additional pathways offering better access to the tower plateau, allowing more people to enjoy the views across Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.

The work is funded with £4 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Plymouth City Council, and the Levelling Up Fund, through the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The council stated that the “sensitive restoration project” will improve accessibility to Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.

This project is part of a wider £22 million transformation programme aimed at empowering and engaging the city with the marine environment. The centre will remain open for activities and is being operated from the classroom block in the main car park, where temporary welfare units are in place to provide facilities for booked activities and club/affiliate members. However, there will be no access to the centre’s main building during the renovations, including the café and accommodation.

Council Leader Tudor Evans commented: “As Britain’s Ocean City, we have a unique opportunity to restore the amazing heritage of Plymouth Sound. Our vision is to create a welcoming and inclusive space that celebrates Plymouth's rich maritime heritage and offers new opportunities for everyone to enjoy the stunning waterfront.”

Richard Stevens, Chair of the Mount Batten Centre Board, said: “The comprehensive project of reworking and enhancing the centre is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about creating a vibrant, accessible space that will connect people with our extraordinary National Marine Park, whether that be on, in, or by the water. This investment will unlock the centre's full potential, providing first-class facilities for watersports, activities, and community engagement.”

Adam Brimacombe, from Classic Builders, said: “Plymouth is an important place for us, not only as our home city but also because a large proportion of our talented team are based here. The delivery of these works allows us to further support local staff and play a key part in the continued investment of Plymouth as an exciting place to live and work.”