It’s like you can already see the life running back through its beams…
We talk so much about Plymouth’s rich history, especially here at Strathmore House Apartments; in part because our history plays such a major role in Plymouth’s make-up; but also because we are so very proud of our city and where we have come from.
Our heritage and historic buildings are beautiful assets that make our city by the sea so unique.
They tell the story of our past and we strongly feel that we should all do what we can to protect and cherish them. Not least because it feels so sad seeing them empty and looking unloved, but also because when you start reviving these buildings, it brings communities together to appreciate local heritage. Whats more, for our visitors, it gives the opportunity to have history brought to life.
The historic environment in any city offers people a sense of place, a sense of pride and a sense of belonging; so when we heard that the restoration and reinterpretation of Plymouth’s historic Elizabethan House was moving into a new phase – we were more than just a little excited!
Making it happen…
Led by Plymouth City Council, with additional funding support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic England, the Coastal Revival Fund and The Pilgrim’s Trust, it’s one of the key legacy projects for the city’s Mayflower 400 commemorations. These commemorations will create an opening, a portal, that we can all look back into to see what was; helping us both appreciate the here and now but also understand what we can strive for in the future.
Recent experience in Plymouth has demonstrated that integrating historic buildings and areas within and around our city can create popular, successful urban quarters with character. Places that people can enjoy working in, living in and of course visiting.
Taking the Royal William Yard as an example. Just a short stroll from the apartments, or perhaps a boat ride, you have the largest collection of Grade I Listed naval building in the UK. Now a thriving pocket of wonderful riches and home to restaurants, boutiques, artists workshops, bakery’s and so much more. Here you are offered an experience that is second to none. Where the shadow of the past is very much in the present.
Such regeneration represents an opportunity for conservation and development to work together, hand in hand. To transform the built environment – the greyer of spaces and the public realm – so that the communities that live and work there, can fall back in love with the space once again.
A ‘Modern City’ doesn’t have to be a new one!
It simply has to fit with present realities, the rhythm of the city, whilst bringing charm and charisma alongside a well narrated sense of belonging.
Plymouth is a city so easy to fall in love with. A city everyone we know is proud to call home. This is partly because all sides and all sectors of Plymouth work together. They are prepared to seek pragmatic and creative solutions and make opportunities that balance new uses with the need for conservation. Plymouth so cleverly turns heritage into a positive advantage for everyone. So surely when we talk of a ‘Modern City’ – this is what we talk of?
Our collective past can ably support our futures.
Plymouth’s contribution as a city to all of our history can only be a positive thing. So, we will make sure that we keep you updated with the exciting new developments as they happen, both with the Elizabethan House and all the other Heritage Works in Plymouth.
These treasured buildings don’t belong to Plymouth; they form part of all of our histories and so belong to us all. Therefore, for successful heritage-based regeneration to be achievable, we all need to support it. Be that through interest, enquiries, expertise or knowledge – then of course, when it’s open – lots of visitors!
To all the companies, individuals and collectives that are working so hard on making our history a moment of out today; we at Strathmore House Apartments, and on behalf of our guests, thank you.
