The Plymouth Sound: Friday November 1
Our regular round-up of the latest news for Plymouth Hoe and the waterside communities.
Hotel sale
It’s reportedly Plymouth’s oldest lodging house - dating back to 1852. Now the Grade-II listed Invicta Hotel in Osborne Place is up for auction later this month.
The four-star hotel was originally put up for sale in 2022, at a guide price of £2.25 million, but failed to find a buyer.
The Invicta occupies a prominent position on the Hoe and comprises 23 bedrooms, as well as restaurant, bar, lounge, and function facilities. The building was designed by architect George Wightwick but was severely damaged by incendiary bombs in WW2. Former owner Reginald Hyett was killed in the hotel’s gardens during a bombing raid, together with four military officers trying to defuse a device.
The auction is on November 19. Roy and Betty Martin, who have owned the property since 2002, are selling up as they plan to retire.
Water valuable asset
A major report into the economic value of Plymouth’s ports and waterside businesses says there is potential to increase cruise ship visits and turnaround calls in the city, generating greater economic impact.
Plymouth Port Strategy was created to get a clear picture of the status of Plymouth’s ports as well as chart their future direction.
The city’s ports are Devonport, Cattewater, Millbay and Sutton Harbour, and each has a distinct role. The strategy gives a fascinating insight into the sheer scale and variety of jobs and opportunities that exist in and around the Sound.
But it warns there is a lack of shore power in some areas of Plymouth, impacting on-site investment.
Garage fire
A fire at a garage in Belmont Street threw up smoke that was visible across Plymouth today (Friday). Some residents nearest to the fire had to be moved out of their homes for a time due to an explosion risk. No-one was hurt.
Sutherland all at sea
After a substantial refit lasting 1,420 days, HMS Sutherland has moved from Devonport's 2 Basin to the sea wall, marking a pivotal step towards returning to active service.
Known affectionately as The Fighting Clan, HMS Sutherland has undergone an extensive overhaul since 2020, including engine upgrades, combat systems and living quarters, ensuring the ship remains in top form until 2032.
HMS Sutherland's crew marked the milestone with a post on X, stating: "The Fighting Clan has left 2 basin and is now on the sea wall! 🌊 A huge milestone in our return to frontline operations."
Heard the one about the bishop and the enthronement…?
People across Plymouth are being invited to take part in the Enthronement service for the new Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison, by watching the event on a special YouTube channel tomorrow (Saturday Nov 2).
Bishop Mike is the 72nd Bishop of Exeter, the first was consecrated in 1050 by King Edward the Confessor. The former Archdeacon of Plymouth, the Ven. Nick Shutt, now a non-residentiary Canon at the Cathedral, will be presenting the livestream.
You can watch the Enthronement Service here from 2.30pm.
Something for the weekend…
The St Andrew's Strings are playing a concert in the church tomorrow (Sat Nov 2 at 4pm) in order to help raise funds for the church Organ Restoration Fund.