40 Buildings Saved

7. Former Western Morning News HQ in Plymouth

Status: Listed Grade II*
Architect: Sir Nicholas Grimshaw
Owners: Spirit of Enterprise business hub
Location: Brest Road, Derriford, Plymouth

Background

The former office and printing works, nicknamed ‘The Ship’ is an outstanding example of Sir Nicholas Grimshaw’s work of the 1990s, at a time when he was establishing his name as a key figure in the high-tech movement, with buildings including the Waterloo Eurostar Terminal. Featuring a faceted and curving glass skin, the Plymouth building is a showcase for innovative technology.

Threat

In 2015 the then owners, the Daily Mail and General Trust, submitted an application for demolition.

Action

Working with Sir Nicholas, the C20 Society applied for an urgent listing assessment.

Outcome

The building was listed at Grade II* in 2015, making it the youngest building to be given statutory protection by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).  The building has now been transformed into a business hub and renamed Spirit of Enterprise.