'Love letter to Plymouth' time capsule buried

News imagePlymouth City Council Three people on Armada Way in Plymouth buried the time capsule which will not be opened until 2047. They are dropping the metal cylinder into place. Plymouth City Council
Plymouth City Council said the capsule would remain hidden beneath Armada Way for 21 years, with it due to be reopened in 2047

A time capsule has been buried in a city centre following a £30m regeneration project.

Plymouth City Council said the capsule was buried under the newly refurbished Armada Way on Saturday, with plans to dig it up in 2047 to mark the centenary of the plaza being rebuilt after World War Two.

The capsule includes contributions from across the community, including an illustrated piece of art, an AI-generated vision of the city in 2047, a Plymouth Argyle shirt, a copy of the Plymouth Herald newspaper and Royal Navy badges.

Council deputy leader Jemima Laing said it was "a love letter to Plymouth, a celebration of who we are today and a message of hope for the generations who will follow us".

News imagePlymouth City Council The metal cylinder before it was dropped into place underground. It was marked with the words "A moment in time. A legacy for tomorrow's Plymouth - (buried 2026, opened 2057)"Plymouth City Council
The capsule was buried on Saturday to mark the opening of Armada Way

People were asked to come up with ideas for items to be included in the capsule in October.

The council said ideas were submitted by residents, schools, artists and community groups "to ensure the capsule truly represents the spirit of Plymouth".

It said the items were "carefully curated" to offer future generations a "powerful insight into Plymouth today".

Other items sealed underground include: a youth-produced photo booklet showcasing the city's landmarks, a reflective piece on Plymouth in 2026 and moquettes of one of the Beryl Cook statues and the Phoenix Fountain.

Laing said: "From the voices of our young people to the creativity of our artists and the pride we share in our city, these items capture a moment in time that will one day reconnect Plymouth with its future.

"Burying this capsule beneath Armada Way – a place that itself symbolises renewal and transformation – feels incredibly fitting.

"It's fascinating to wonder about what the world will be like when it is opened."

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