Plymouth City Living Framework

Location: Plymouth
Client: Plymouth City Council
Date: 2026- ongoing
Value: N/A
Awards:

Plymouth is embarking on one of the most ambitious urban transformations in its history. The City Living Framework is a bold commission led by Plymouth City Council, Homes England, and the UK Government. This nationally significant project - will deliver 10,000 new homes, vibrant public spaces, and a thriving economy at the heart of Britain’s Ocean City.

This is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about creating a city centre that attracts talent, fosters innovation, and celebrates community life. By reimagining how we live, work, and connect, Plymouth will become one of the most desirable urban destinations in the UK.

Mæ has been appointed to lead the city centre masterplan, which forms a City Living Framework.

The City Living Framework sits under the wider Local Plan and will set out a bold vision for how Plymouth’s city centre could evolve into a vibrant place to live – with new homes, greener streets, lively public spaces and a stronger sense of community at its heart.

The framework will help guide future investment and regeneration, supporting the delivery of sustainable city centre neighbourhoods while ensuring development reflects the aspirations of local communities. With demand for city centre living growing and major investment already reshaping Plymouth, the City Living Framework will provide an important blueprint for future growth.

Working with WSP and Howells alongside a consortium of local practices, including Lavigne Lonsdale and Gillespie Yunnie, we aim to create a long-term framework for a more liveable, connected and resilient Plymouth city core building on the city’s distinctive civic, cultural and maritime identity. The project involves extensive engagement with local partners, workshops with members of the council and officers, and a pop-up City Living hub will take over Plymouth Central Library to ensure all Plymothians can have their say.

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said:

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink how we live in our city centre and to shape a future that truly reflects Plymouth at its best.

Councillor Matt Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing, City Centre Regeneration and Events, added:

"Imagine a city centre with more homes, greener spaces, a stronger sense of community and a vibrant mix of culture, business and everyday life – that’s what we want to build together.

The City Living Framework is out for consultation and due to be adopted in early 2027.