Adam Montandon's blog

Business opportunities in Devonport are set to be 'potentially immense' when the area's historic but run-down Guildhall is transformed next year, say those behind the scheme.

Transformation of the Grade I-listed building in Ker Street into a cultural and business centre will bring 'major business opportunities for local people', says the social enterprise driving the plan forward.

The bid has been led by the Plymouth office of the Real Ideas Organisation (RiO), a community interest company.

This week it learned the Big Lottery Fund had approved in principle a £1million grant to help it 'once again flourish and become one of the South West's key hubs for culture, business, media, education and social and community activities'.

RiO has grown out of the Government's flagship Creative Partnerships initiative in the South West and is devoted to creative and cultural regeneration. For the past eight months it has been working on the Guildhall bid in collaboration with Plymouth City Council, consultants and architects GHK, the Devonport Regeneration Community Partnership and CoastNet, which promotes sustainable management of Britain's coastline and seas.

This week's £1m funding indication means the alliance can start on the development of full-scale plans in consultation with the Devonport community and other partners.

RiO says it hopes the move will see the Guildhall fulfil its potential as 'a key South West centre for learning, culture, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurialism'.

"Some of the key factors needed to create a good environment for entrepreneurship and business are diversity and strong networks", said Ed Whitelaw, lead developer for RiO.

"The Guildhall will bring a number of public, third-sector and private organisations further together within one place, creating a critical mass of activity.

"These social, cultural and educational organisations will not only work in synergy together but will also further connect the local community to citywide, regional and national opportunities", he said. "With organisations such as RiO and the internationally-known HMC Interactive delivering work in one place, the possibilities this creates for local young people are potentially immense.

"To get to this key point in the Guildhall development process has been a very long but extremely worthwhile journey with a lot of hard work from an extensive team of extremely committed people.

"I can't wait to be standing in Devonport in a year and a half's time a see a vibrant and redeveloped Devonport Guildhall that not only serves the needs of the local community but is a also a cultural centre of regional if not national significance."

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