Ridge is providing civil and structural engineering services on Plymouth’s ambitious kilometre-long urban park renewal, part of the City Council’s Better Places Plan and funded through the Transforming Cities Fund.

A landmark urban renewal 

Armada Way is the centrepiece of Plymouth City Council’s Better Places Plan – a transformative regeneration programme aimed at revitalising the city’s public realm. Originally designed in the 1950s as a post-war boulevard, Armada Way is now being reimagined as a kilometre-long urban park that blends heritage, sustainability and community needs. 

Ridge is delivering civil and structural engineering services for this flagship scheme. Working in partnership with Morgan Sindall under a design and build contract, we began delivering the Stage 4 tender package in 2022/23. The scheme builds on lessons learned from earlier phases at Old Town Street and New George Street, which Ridge helped complete in 2024 following contractor challenges, earning awards and public acclaim. 

Drainage-led design with lasting impact 

Ridge is leading the design of a sustainable drainage system (SuDS) on Armada Way that integrates rain gardens, reed beds and a striking linear water rill. These features are not only visually engaging – they reduce peak surface water runoff rates by 74%, significantly easing pressure on Plymouth’s combined sewer network and helping prevent overflow events into the sea. 

Using Autodesk Civil3D and Info drainage software, our team developed the most complex hydraulic model Ridge has built to date. This allowed us to simulate real-world conditions with precision, ensuring the system performs effectively and supports future citywide surface water infrastructure. 

Engineering in a live, historic environment 

Delivering this scheme in a live city centre – where, at its peak, over 1.1 million people pass through monthly – has required agile coordination and deep technical expertise. Excavation works revealed layers of Plymouth’s history, including Victorian tramlines, culverts and a porcelain-tiled underground toilet block. Our team worked closely with stakeholders to manage these discoveries while maintaining public access and avoiding clashes with existing services. 

We also addressed accessibility concerns by redesigning pavements and kerbs, ensuring Armada Way is inclusive for all users. The scheme retains key trees and introduces Europe’s largest city centre play area, alongside seating, food and beverage spaces, wild meadow planting and a new amphitheatre. 

Sustainable infrastructure for a growing city 

Armada Way is designed to support Plymouth’s long-term growth. As more residential development is introduced into the city centre, the scheme will provide additional capacity within the foul water network. Existing tanks have been repurposed for water storage, and the drainage system will eventually link into a wider surface water network across the city. 

One of the scheme’s focal points is the new water rill – a granite-lined stream with reed beds that serves both aesthetic and drainage functions. Ridge is also designing the foundations for solar tree canopies, which will provide shade and renewable energy, enhancing the space with sustainable technology. 

Looking ahead 

Zone 1 of Armada Way is now open, with Zones 1, 2 and 3 progressing rapidly. Full delivery is expected by Mid2026. Ridge continues to work closely with Plymouth City Council and delivery partners to ensure the successful completion of this landmark regeneration project. 

Armada Way is more than a public space – it’s a blueprint for resilient, inclusive and sustainable urban design. Much of our work may be hidden beneath the surface, but its impact will be felt for generations.