Partners & Resources

The Plymouth Report – October 2023 offers a comprehensive overview of the city's current challenges and opportunities, aligning with the overarching Plymouth Plan 2014–2034. This strategic report  serves as a roadmap for Plymouth's development, focusing on key areas such as economic growth, housing, education, health, and environmental sustainability. It provides valuable insights into the city's demographics, social dynamics, and infrastructure, supporting informed decision-making and policy development.

Plymouth City Council aims to be the most active coastal city in England by 2034 through its "Active to Thrive" strategy. It promotes physical activity via community projects, health programmes, active travel, and inclusive facilities. Key initiatives include Plymouth Active Leisure, support for young people, and Fit and Fed, which provides meals and activities during school holidays.

Grow Plymouth is a creative hub in Plymouth's Cultural Quarter, fostering sustainability, community engagement, and the arts. Established in 2021, it offers 11 artist studios and a versatile ground-floor project space for exhibitions, workshops, and events.  Aligned with Plymouth's status as the UK's first Social Enterprise City, Grow Plymouth integrates academia, local artists, and residents to explore climate action and cultural innovation. It serves as a platform for emerging artists and community-driven projects, contributing to the city's creative regeneration.

As part of the Green Minds project The Data Place, Food Plymouth, Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Octopus Project have been mapping groups of nature-supporting organisations, resources, spaces and projects in the city.

The Marine Biological Association (MBA), established in 1884, is a scientific society based in Plymouth, UK.  The MBA conducts pioneering marine biology research and houses the National Marine Biological Library, preserving extensive marine science collections. Recognized with a Royal Charter in 2013, the MBA collaborates globally to advance marine conservation and education. Its research spans marine microbiomes, coastal ecology, and ocean biology, contributing significantly to understanding and protecting marine ecosystems.

Real Ideas Organisation is a Plymouth-based social enterprise driving positive change through creativity, innovation, and community support. It operates immersive tech spaces, creative studios, and development programmes to help individuals and businesses grow. Key initiatives include Market Hall’s immersive dome, Ocean Studios for artists, digital badge schemes, and sustainability-focused projects. Real Ideas champions inclusive economic growth, learning, and environmental impact.

Royal William Yard is a historic waterfront destination in Plymouth, England, renowned for its Grade I listed buildings and vibrant community. Originally constructed as a Royal Navy victualling yard, it has been transformed into a dynamic space blending heritage with modern living. The Yard now features a mix of residential apartments, offices, restaurants, bars, galleries, and leisure facilities. Visitors can enjoy activities such as paddleboarding, swimming in the tidal pool, and exploring the South West Coast Path. With its own marina and ferry service, Royal William Yard offers a unique blend of history, culture, and contemporary lifestyle.

The Royal Citadel in Plymouth, England, is a historic fortress built between 1665 and 1676.  The Citadel has been continuously occupied by the military and currently serves as the base for the 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, a specialist unit providing artillery support to the UK Commando Force. It remains an active military establishment, with public access available through guided tours operated by Armada Tours.

Smeaton’s Tower is a historic lighthouse located on Plymouth Hoe, England. Standing 72 feet tall, the lighthouse offers panoramic views of Plymouth Sound from its lantern room. Restored to its original design, it serves as a testament to John Smeaton’s engineering prowess, featuring interlocking granite blocks and hydraulic lime. Managed by The Box Plymouth, Smeaton’s Tower is open to the public, providing insight into maritime history and civil engineering.

The Data Place Plymouth is a social enterprise dedicated to fostering innovation through open data. Supported by Plymouth City Council, it offers a platform for publishing and accessing datasets across various sectors, including health, environment, education, and transport. The Data Place aims to build sustainable open data ecosystems by partnering with public, private, and third-sector organizations. Its mission is to enhance transparency, support digital growth, and empower communities through accessible data.

Plymouth Marine Laboratories is a charity undertaking cutting edge research into marine science that seeks to support a healthy and sustainable ocean. They have an interdisciplinary team which works extensively in partnership. Alongside the University of Plymouth and Marine Biological Association, PML is part of the UK’s largest cluster of marine science research institutions.

The Marine Institute is a strategic research institution at the University of Plymouth with one of the largest marine and maritime portfolios in Europe. Under the directorship of Professor Richard Thompson, the Institute is committed to building bridges to support cross-disciplinary research and outputs, which is essential in addressing complex marine-related issues.

The Ocean Conservation Trust’s mission is to restore and protect the Ocean, centred around people and positive action, with an emphasis on pro-Ocean behaviour and habitat restoration. Focussing on what can be done to support a healthy Ocean, OCT has a people-centred approach to encouraging positive action for our Oceans’ future through its programmes and activities.

Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park is the former home of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe. Surrounded by formal gardens and set in a Grade I listed landscape, the country park covers 865 acres of the Rame Peninsula in South East Cornwall. Lottery funding is delivering enhancements and visitor access to the Garden Battery which has been closed to the public since World War II.

Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre is currently undergoing capital development to offer new facilities as an accessible gateway to the National Marine Park. The centre provides access to activities ranging from sailing to stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking and stands in a historical area of the city alongside the 17th-century Mount Batten Tower.

Plymouth Sound National Marine Park has been made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund Horizons programme. This resource provides additional information about the scale of ambition and transformation that the Horizons project seeks to achieve, as well as the geographical area covered by the National Marine Park.

Brought together by Plymouth Culture, this is a one-page resource providing some useful additional insight into demographics in the city.

Alongside collection displays reflecting Plymouth’s maritime heritage, The Box houses over 250,000 media items in both analogue and digital formats, spanning from the 1890s to the present and documenting the city's transformation. More than 800 clips are available to view online and visitors can also explore the Media Lab gallery, which celebrates the South West's film and photographic heritage.

Tinside is Plymouth’s beloved Lido, one of Britain's finest examples of Art Deco architecture, currently undergoing a transformational redevelopment. Alongside the iconic seawater bathing pool, new spaces will support youth activities, digital skills and community events. The terrace is also being renovated with new seating, a café and flexible event space, all with stunning views of Plymouth Sound.