High-rise to be 'benchmark' for social housing

Architects say they are designing the first new high-rise building for social rent in Plymouth for several years which will replace a 14-storey tower block.

Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) said it had selected Building Design Partnership (BDP) as the architect to redevelop Marlborough House in Devonport, a £45m project announced in September 2024.

BDP associate architect Adam Darby said the scheme would provide 100% affordable homes designed to meet energy-efficiency and building safety standards.

A spokesperson for PCH said the project was aimed to be "a step change in quality for social housing" and the new homes would establish "a new benchmark for high-rise living".

PCH development manager Nicola Daniel said the redevlopment would bring "a new generation of high rise, social residential development" to Plymouth.

"With that comes the responsibility to deliver something exceptional – a tall building that residents can call home and that works for years to come," she added.

She said design proposals would be shared with residents and stakeholders through a public consultation process to ensure the community would have the opportunity to help shape the future of Marlborough House.

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.