Two businesses have moved into Plymouth’s historic former waterside naval victualling yard as developer Urban Splash continues to invest in the buildings.
The latest tenants include Enhance Aesthetics and Wellness, which has opened in the Guardhouse building, and Plymouth’s newest seafood eatery and bar, The Hook and Line, which will operate from the Yard’s Slaughterhouse – taking the last remaining unit at that building.
Opening in April 2020, it will offer fresh seafood, caught by owner Ben Squires’ fishing boats.
The Hook and Line’s rustic interior will reflect the yard’s naval roots, featuring Plymouth’s first speciality rum bar; and will complement an existing array of restaurants including Seco Lounge - part of the popular ‘Lounges’ restaurant group - Prezzo and Bistrot Pierre.
Meanwhile, Manchester-headquartered Urban Splash is poised to complete some of the final workspaces at its development in the Grade I Listed Melville building.
The yard’s centrepiece, Melville will soon be home to national cinema operator Everyman, and independent restaurant Hubbox.
A mixed-use destination, Melville will include workspaces packed with original architectural features, with views over the waterfront. The spaces, created by RIBA award winning architects, span from 300sq f to 100,000sq ft.
Emily Handslip , Urban Splash’s director of commercial lettings, said: “As we look back on a decade of commercial space at the yard we are delighted to welcome more great businesses here.
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“The Yard is a unique commercial setting and leaves a lasting impression. We work closely with our resident businesses to ensure they have the flexibility and space that fits their needs, while giving them the chance to become part of a growing community.
“We are delighted that Melville is taking shape as it extends this offering. It is a very special building and we welcome interest from firms that would like to join us in one of the Yard’s last remaining buildings.
“Royal William Yard has undergone a monumental transformation in just over a decade. Once a derelict victualling yard, it is now not just one of the South West’s top visitor destinations, but also a thriving, creative and award-winning commercial hub in the heart of the city. We are very proud of what we’ve achieved to date.”
Unveiling its first restorations in 2007 – with the completion of homes, gallery space and small café in the Clarence and Brewhouse buildings – the yard has since become home to hundreds of residents.
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It welcomes thousands of visitors each week and is a base for more than 70 businesses, from the fashion, retail, arts and crafts, education, finance and construction sectors, which collectively employ more than 500 people.
The first workspaces at the development were launched in 2010, when part of Mills Bakery was restored to create offices, with long-term occupiers now including original tenant, digital marketing bureau Bluestone360.
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Bluestone360 managing director Steve Kyffin said, “I can remember being one of the first in the building. I liked the yard’s link to Plymouth’s history and its role in regenerating the city.”
Alex Reilly, managing director at Lounges said: “Over the past 10 years, Royal William Yard has provided the perfect hub for Seco Lounge. Against a backdrop of the Plymouth waterfront, it’s been an ideal location for Loungers.”