Downtown Plymouth is on the cusp of dramatic transformation, with two major developments poised to reshape the city’s heart and future. As the House of Fraser store—known to many locals as Dingles—prepares to close its doors in March 2026, defense giant Babcock is eyeing the iconic building as a new home for 2,000 of its employees. Meanwhile, city leaders are working closely with residents to chart the course for Plymouth’s first comprehensive streetscape overhaul since 2010, aiming to both modernize infrastructure and preserve the beloved character of the downtown core.
The House of Fraser closure marks the end of an era for the city center. The store, which narrowly escaped closure in 2018 thanks to a last-minute rescue deal, has served as a retail anchor for decades. Now, signs in the windows announce its final sale and imminent shutdown. According to BBC, the news has been met with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation for what comes next. Steve Hughes, chief executive of the Plymouth City Centre Company, called the closure “sad news for the city centre and especially for all the staff,” but expressed optimism about the future: “I am sure a new use will be found very quickly for that building in such a prime location.”
Enter Babcock, one of the region’s largest employers and a linchpin of the local economy. With more than 7,000 staff in Plymouth, Babcock’s operations at Devonport Royal Dockyard are integral to the city’s identity, supporting critical defense programs such as complex submarine maintenance and the construction of armored vehicles. In June 2025, the company announced its intention to seek a city center location to “help boost collaboration, foster wider prosperity and support defence delivery.” Now, the soon-to-be-vacant department store appears to be a leading contender. A Babcock spokesperson confirmed to BBC that the building “is one of a number of sites it is considering.”
The prospect of Babcock moving into the former Dingles building is more than just a real estate shuffle; it’s a potential game-changer for the city’s economic landscape. Steve Hughes highlighted the significance, noting, “The planned level of investment in the city centre is huge, and the future is looking good with work on The Civic Centre now progressing, plans for a Babcock office building for 2,000 employees and thousands of new homes.” For many, the idea of bringing thousands of skilled workers into the city center is a beacon of hope for continued revitalization, increased foot traffic, and new business opportunities.
Yet, this is only one piece of Plymouth’s evolving puzzle. At the same time, the Plymouth Downtown Development Authority is spearheading a major streetscape overhaul—the first since 2010 and only the second since the current design was introduced in 1995. The authority, in partnership with design firm SmithGroup, is actively seeking input from residents to shape the look and feel of downtown for decades to come. “Most of our street trees are past their life span. We’re going to have start tearing out some of these trees and with that becomes redoing the areas where the trees are,” explained Sam Plymale, director of the Downtown Plymouth Development Authority, in comments reported by WXYZ.
Infrastructure needs are driving the urgency behind this next phase of improvements. The city’s iconic street trees, beloved but aging, must be replaced, and the utilities beneath them are due for upgrades. But the process is not just about bricks, mortar, and greenery. It’s about balancing progress with preservation, ensuring that the city’s historic charm isn’t lost in the quest for modernization. “What this is all about is where are there opportunities to enhance our infrastructure while respecting the historic nature of the downtown,” Plymale said.
Public engagement has been central to the planning process. Over recent months, the development authority has hosted several sessions to gather feedback from residents. The response has been passionate and, at times, divided. Parking, in particular, has emerged as a flashpoint. “They do a lot of events down here and I don’t think there’s enough parking,” said Sheri Baker, a resident who walks downtown daily with her dog Hazel. Pam Sudz echoed the sentiment: “I definitely think we need more parking. It’s really hard to park during the lunch hours, that’s why I’m so early for my appointment today.”
Others, like Gabriella Fava, acknowledge the city’s vibrancy but see room for improvement. “It’s about time for a refresh. It’s a busy area, I mean things are picking up,” Fava remarked. Still, not everyone is convinced that changes are needed. Mike Health, another local, argued that the downtown should be left alone. “There’s nothing that can be done to improve it,” he stated, underscoring the diversity of opinion within the community.
The menu of options under consideration is broad, reflecting both practical needs and a desire for innovation. Potential changes include widening sidewalks, introducing speed management measures, adding bumpouts, creating curb-less streets, improving bike paths, and, of course, addressing the perennial issue of parking. The authority plans to present a final design by the end of spring 2026, with construction slated to begin in 2027.
Community members will have another chance to weigh in on February 1, 2026, during the annual Ice Festival, and a new survey will be available later in January. Residents are encouraged to follow the project’s progress and submit feedback at downtownplymouth.org, ensuring that the ultimate plan reflects the voices and values of those who call Plymouth home.
As the city stands at this crossroads, the interplay between tradition and transformation is palpable. The closure of a storied department store, the possibility of a major employer moving in, and the ambitious reimagining of public spaces all point to a city in motion—one that is striving to honor its past while embracing the promise of the future. The coming months will be critical as decisions are made, designs are finalized, and the groundwork is laid for a new chapter in Plymouth’s story.
With so much on the horizon, Plymouth’s residents and leaders alike are watching closely, hopeful that the changes ahead will not only preserve what makes the city special but also set the stage for a vibrant, prosperous downtown for generations to come.
