Devonport Plus is RIO's development business unit, using creative and social enterprise approaches to drive regeneration in the west of Plymouth.
Operating out of Devonport Guildhall, Devonport Plus also provides a range of training and consultancy support for culture, heritage and community organisation across the region.
We are currently building a website to tell you more about the work we do, but for now here's a taste of some of our past and current projects:
Past and Current Projects
Devonport Guildhall
Devonport Plus led and facilitated the re-development of the Grade I listed Devonport Guildhall from 2007- 2010. This scheme saw the derelict Guildhall, one of Plymouth finest historic buildings, fully restored to become the central community and cultural building at the heart of this transforming community. realideas.org/devonportguildhall
Devonport Column
Building on the success of the Guildhall, the Devonport Column project is phase II of our capital regeneration programme in Devonport. Having secured £700,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund at the end of 2011, work is rapidly underway to restore and re-open the 124 foot iconic Devonport Column; the central symbol of Devonport.
The programme will also develop the ‘Guildhall Quarters’ heritage offer and provide a two year programme of heritage learning and participation local residents and young people. Once open the Column will be added to the suite of offers at the Guildhall, drawing new visitors to the area and supporting the local economy.
Food Cultures: Growing Cooking Eating
This commission for the NHS action researched and delivered a suite of innovative approaches to developing behaviour change around diet for older people and young men. In addition to completing eight projects with local partners the programme has shown strong research outcomes. We're now working with the NHS to move Food Cultures into a new phase.
Devonport Guildhall Crew (DGC)
Mobilising the city’s young people and local residents and providing strong learning outcomes, Devonport Plus manages RIO volunteer programme. Winning a number of grants as well as Plymouth’s Social Enterprise Volunteers of the Year 2011, this year the Guildhall volunteers are leading the development of new nature reserve for Devonport with support from the SITA Trust and VSO volunteers.
Ready Steady Challenge
A youth employment programme for Devonport, Ready Steady Challenge is a high energy crash course in how to break into the catering industry, delivered in partnership with local hotel and restaurants.
Contact the Devonport Plus Team:
Email: devonportplus@realideas.org
Tel: 0845 8621288
