A gigantic warehouse that has stood on Plymouth’s waterfront for years is to be torn down to make space for a world-class and money-spinning sailing event to be held in the city.
Work is due to start before the end of February 2021 to demolish the transit shed on Trinity Pier, at Millbay Docks. The building, which has recently been used to store fertiliser, is being razed to create space for the SailGP event, scheduled for July 17 and 18 and described as “one of the world’s most impressive sailing events”.
The sailing jamboree, still on the calendar despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, is due to attract teams from around the globe and feature the 海角视频’s Sir Ben Ainslie.
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It has been estimated that SailGP, being billed as part of the postponed Mayflower 400 commemoration, could bring an £18million boost to the Plymouth economy.
Previous events in the USA were witnessed by 24,000 spectators and delivered US$24million in economic impact while reaching a total global audience of 231million people.
But to make way for the event the transit shed will have to come down. Permission has been granted for its demolition over an eight-week period.
Adams Hendry Consulting Ltd, on behalf of land owner Associated British Ports, sought prior approval and documents filed with the council said: “On completion, the site will be completely cleared of all waste materials and fencing installed across the entrance to Trinity Pier. The demolition of the building is sought to enable the future use of Trinity Pier for the SailGP event in summer 2021.”
The work will see removal of asbestos followed by the demolition of the shed bay by bay, from roof downwards. A crane will be used along with a 30-ton demolition rig and skid steer loader, with parts of the building “grabbed” and removed bit by bit. All metal pillars will be removed or cut off at ground level, whilst the existing screed base of the shed will be broken out and removed.
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Temporary fencing will be erected to form a perimeter at the eastern end of the shed during the demolition period, as an existing permanent chain link fencing at the eastern end will be taken down and removed as part of the works.
The temporary fencing will be 1.8m high, bolted and clamped together to provide a secure site during the demolition phase.
Documents filed with the council said: “Upon completion of the transit shed demolition, new permanent weldmesh fencing will be constructed along the eastern end of Trinity Pier, in order to provide a secure site and port boundary.
“This fencing will be constructed along the same line as the existing chain link fencing at the eastern end of the transit shed. The existing concrete shed floor will remain and serve as external pavement upon completion, with all vertical steel columns cut to ensure that they are flush with the concrete.”
The SailGP event is scheduled to take place on Plymouth Sound in partnership with Plymouth City Council, and with support from Associated British Ports, English Cities Fund and Sutton Harbour Group.
Plymouth was selected following a competitive six-month-long bid process involving five other 海角视频 cities. Fans will be able to view the action from the water or shore.
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Cllr Pete Smith, deputy leader of Plymouth City Council, said in September 2020: "It’s going to be an unmissable weekend, with fast and furious racing that spectators can witness up close thanks to the natural amphitheatre provided by Plymouth Sound.
“As well as providing a thrilling experience for visitors and locals, the economic impact of the event has the potential to be huge. This is brilliant news, especially as we look ahead to the future and focus on post-pandemic economic recovery.
“We’ll be working closely with SailGP to maximize the opportunities offered, ensuring that our residents benefit positively and inspiring a love of sailing in the next generation with an accompanying youth engagement programme.”
Once the sailors and their teams depart, Trinity Pier will continue to be included in the overall strategic development area of Millbay.
The overall proposals for the area “provide for 742 new homes, including extra care homes, 12,500sq m B1 offices, as well as small-scale retail, food and drink uses, leisure, hotel, marine related uses and facilities for marine and other events and a multi-storey car park”.
Some of the redevelopment has already been completed but other areas of Millbay still await commencement of work.