It's The Beagle on Friday June 26 2026

From yacht club to wedding venue: new vision unveiled for historic Hoe landmark

A prominent Plymouth waterfront building with more than a century of maritime history could be transformed into a major wedding and hospitality destination under plans submitted to Plymouth City Council.

The Corinthian, perched on rocks below Plymouth Hoe, was once home to the Royal Plymouth Corinthian Yacht Club and remains one of the city's most recognisable waterfront landmarks. Now its owners want to secure its future through a substantial refurbishment and extension.

The proposals include a rooftop terrace and bar inspired by the experience of the former Plymouth Pier, offering visitors panoramic views across the Sound. A ceremony room overlooking the water would help establish the venue as a premium wedding destination.

Owner Stephen Langmaid says the project would conserve and enhance the Grade II-listed building, which requires urgent roof repairs after suffering leaks. The plans also include improvements to the waterside Boatyard area, upgraded public toilets and better accessibility.

A glass balustrade around the new rooftop terrace would prevent the long-standing problem of tombstoning from the structure, while creating a new public-facing space at street level.

Mr Langmaid says the development would create a viable year-round business, supporting full-time jobs and providing facilities for both visitors and local residents.

"The existing premises has no visibility from the street and struggles to attract passing trade. The development on the roof will provide visibility from the street and function like a pier, allowing guests to stop and enjoy 270-degree views that are not available when walking on the pavement," he wrote.

The application will be decided by Plymouth City Council at a future date, with public comments on the application to be submitted no later than July 21.

Something in the air...

Many are familiar with the West Hoe whiff and the Ballard House bunk. Now Plymouth’s MPs and councillors are calling for an end to decades of bad smells in the city with an urgent plea to South West Water to up its game.

The water company has admitted serious failures in odour control at its Plymouth Central Waste Water Treatment Works at Cattedown following a Freedom of Information request by city MP Luke Pollard.

Odour issues have also been reported at Camels Head and Marsh Mills waste water treatment works for years and appear to be increasing.

The Local Democracy Service reported that Plymouth councillor Josh McCarty has written to the chief executives of South West Water and MVV Environment (who operate a major energy-from-waste-facility at Devonport) requesting information about odour and pollution monitoring, regulatory requirements, and any incidents recorded at their facilities over the past 12 months.

Arcade is full at Royal William Yard

Arcade, the collection of independent retailers within the Grade I-listed Brewhouse building at the Royal William Yard, is now full, after a new wave of businesses joined the waterfront destination.

The Tipple Cellar and Natural Source  are the new additions, and the popular Pop-up Market is now a permanent attraction. Elsewhere in the Brewhouse building, artist Sally Holt has opened a dedicated studio, giving visitors the chance to watch, browse and commission artwork from her studio by the sea.

The Tipple Cellar stocks over 500 spirits, including more than 200 whiskies — one of the largest selections in the South West, alongside wine, beer, fine foods, cocktails and a fridge stocked with cheese and caviar. 

Natural Source grocery and farm shop opened earlier this month, and is already a hit with customers.

Many of the outlets have now extended their opening hours and will be open seven days a week.

Pop up police on The Hoe

The Waterfront policing team will be on the Hoe on Sunday (June 28) delivering information and advice about water safety, reporting crime, and keeping property safe. They will have their marquee and CCTV van on the promenade for one hour from 11am.

Also in the news: (we scan what's going on so you don't have to!)

🎭 Congratulations to The Box musuem, named last night as 2026 Art Fund Museum of the Year.

✞ "Spaceman" singer Sam Ryder is coming to TRP, with the lead role in Jesus Christ Superstar in August 2027. Tickets are not yet on sale.

📜 First reported by The Beagle, the petition demanding the restoration of the "wedding cake" now has more than 500 signatures. The campaign to preserve the landmark listed building on The Hoe was started by Kevin Kelway.

🏛️ The building that housed the Ocean Studios at the Royal William Yard is to be converted into 24 new apartments. The Factory Cooperage was converted to an ordnance building in 1891 by Sir John Rennie Jnr, for the Victualling Board. Plymouth Council granted conditional planning permission this week.

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Remember when....

Just one of the photos you can browse at the Liner Lookout Café

And finally...

It's Plymouth Armed Forces Day tomorrow (Saturday). The Beagle's favourite is always the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast including a Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota. It is due at 3pm.