The first phase of the new look Armada Way is now open! I attended the official ribbon cutting today. This is the phase closest to North Cross Roundabout where the Phoenix Foundation is. It includes more trees, a wildflower meadow, a stone amphitheatre for outdoor performances, new planting and the opening up of the view from the subway to the Hoe. It looks really good.
I strongly opposed the then Tory council when they wanted to chop down all the trees. They ignored my concerns and the concerns of residents. Plymouth rightly booted them out at the first chance in our local elections. The new scheme has been consulted on, modified and is now being built.
What’s also great is the sustainable drainage system that will collect and hold rainwater run off at times of bad weather. This means less water going into the sewers and lowers the chance of raw sewage being washed out to sea.
For me, the Armada Way scheme isn’t just about nicer pavements, or even better drainage, it is about the scheme being a catalyst for the regeneration of the city centre. I want thousands of new homes built in the city centre, and Armada Way is the perfect way to attract investment.
I know Armada Way evokes strong opinions in our city – it does with me too – but I hope everyone will go to the new opened phase and have a look, see the quality of the work, the extra planting and the improvement over the wasteland left by the last council.
Plymouth is a city on the up. Since the Tory council chopped down the trees, Armada Way has been a by-word for council failure. From today, we can see how it could well be the catalyst for our city centre’s regeneration. Just as the Phoenix foundation was placed there to mark the rebirth of our city centre after the bombing of the Second World War, it is fitting that the first phase is at the same place with exactly the same meaning.
Well done to the workforce on site who have been working so hard on Armada Way, to council staff, and to the Labour Council for turning around an awful inheritance of chopped down trees. This is just the first phase, but it’s off to a good start. Pop down and have a look next time you’re in town.