Belvedere redecoration project set to start next week
One of Plymouth’s most loved monuments is to be refurbished and repainted in time for Plymouth Hoe to take centre stage as the setting for the America’s Cup World Series.
Work will start next week to revamp the 120-year-old Belvedere on Plymouth Hoe as part of a Waterfront improvements plan being carried out by Plymouth City Council in conjunction with Plymouth Waterfront Partnership.
The redecoration of the Belvedere was one of the key Waterfront improvement priorities for local businesses identified through consultations carried out by Plymouth Waterfront Partnership.
Plymouth City Council will manage the project and a team of volunteer sailors will assist contractors in carrying out the work after the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership approached the Royal Navy to help with the high profile scheme.
Plymouth City Council Leader, Councillor Vivien Pengelly said: “The Hoe is a jewel in Plymouth’s crown and we are continuously working to maintain the waterfront. We have some very special events this summer including of course the fabulous America’s Cup World Series and it’s important for the city’s economy that visitors leave with a good impression. We have ongoing investment plans for the waterfront so it continues to be an area everyone can enjoy throughout the year.
“This scheme and the recently announced refurbishment of the Mayflower Steps shows the commitment of the Council to work with Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and local businesses in identifying priorities for investment and working to deliver these for the benefit of everyone in Plymouth.”
Sarah O’Leary, Plymouth Waterfront Manager, said: “We have worked closely with Plymouth City Council after listening very carefully to businesses who said improving the Belvedere was a key priority, and particularly with the America’s Cup coming in September.
“It demonstrates the value of the Waterfront Partnership and how it can use its influence to achieve significant improvements in the city’s key foreshore and waterfront assets. The Partnership will continue to work with the city council and with business as it takes forward the development of a Waterfront Business Improvement District (BID).
“We are also very grateful to the Royal Navy for the support they are providing.”
Through consultation with the Plymouth Hospitality Association (PHA), the Belvedere was identified as an important project and one which the PHA challenged the Waterfront Partnership to make happen. Roy Martin, Chairman of the PHA said: “I am proud to support the Waterfront Partnership in its quest to refurbish the Belvedere. This shows the Waterfront Partnership is listening to the needs of local businesses and that the City Council is taking action.
“I look forward to seeing this important project completed in time for the hundreds of thousands of visitors we expect in September.
Work on the Belvedere is due to start w/c July 25 and will be finished in early September, ahead of the America’s Cup World Series.
ENDS
22 July 2011
Image caption L-R: Leader of Plymouth City Council Vivien Pengelly, Barbican publican Tam McPherson, Waterfront Manager Sarah O’Leary and PHA Chairman Roy Martin celebrate the announcement that the Belvedere is to be redecorated.
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