Feasibility study, maritime heritage, historic dockyard, stakeholder engagement, waterfront regeneration 

Plymouth’s South Yard – now re-branded as Oceansgate – is the site of one of the first stone-built dry docks in the world, completed in 1698 and remaining largely unchanged until the 19th century. This dockyard has expanded considerably along the waterfront over the years to become the largest naval base in Western Europe.  

Plymouth City Council commissioned Beckett Rankine to develop a strategy for regenerating South Yard (Area 5), with a focus on repurposing three historic dry docks as the centrepiece of a new commercial area for marine industries.  

A detailed feasibility study included site inspections, review of previous studies and drawings, and consultation with operators, authorities, contractors, and potential users. We sought to identify business sectors that could maximise the potential for this rare marine infrastructure, which would further build Plymouth as a marine cluster by capitalising on its natural location and strong maritime heritage for marine enterprise. 

The findings informed development concepts for each dock: Dock 2 suited to ship repair and construction, Dock 3 for vessel berthing or possible conversion, and Dock 4 as a wet basin for small craft.  

The wider vision aimed to maximise use of adjacent quayside land, jetties, and listed buildings, creating a sustainable marine cluster that balances heritage with innovation, drives employment and investment, and reinforces Plymouth’s role as a hub for maritime growth. 

Beckett Rankine’s Waterfront Development Strategy for Plymouth’s South Yard Area 5 was published in January 2018.