Will the City of Culture decision impact ambition for the Guildhall? A café is asked to turn off its superbright sign! (And Albion become TV stars)

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How long will it be until the Guildhall reopens? No-one knows.

What Plymouth Council does know is that it has a mammoth task on its hands.

It paused a multi-million pound revamp scheme last autumn after structural problems were found - shortly after posting photos of the work and saying the building would be "open soon".

Then it said in a statement issued last Monday (March 16) that the future of the Guildhall was being "re-imagined" in light of the city's bid to be UK City Of Culture 2029.

"The Council will... redefine its vision and ambition for the Guildhall in the light of recent proposals for 10,000 new city centre homes, the Civic Centre regeneration and Plymouth’s bid to be a City of Culture. We have some incredible opportunities on the horizon with the City of Culture bid and this cannot be simply a repair project but a reimagination and reinvention of the building for the future," said Councillor Chris Penberthy.

But just two days later (on Wednesday, March 18) came the shock news that Plymouth hadn't even made the 'long list' for consideration for the award.

PCC says it wants to spend a "substantial amount" more than it originally intended to protect The Guildhall for the next 70 years - although that will mean the building could remain closed until 2029. The group 'Counter Culture', which worked on the revamp of The Box, has been commissioned to look into how the building could be used for dance, theatre, national exhibitions and conferences. 

As they used to say in TV show, SOAP.... "Confused? You will be!"

Bright sign brings complaints - and a request

It certainly catches the eye and draws attention - which was probably the point. But the bright LED external sign advertising burgers, waffles and ice creams at the Ocean City coffee shop on Hoe Road - which is so bright it can probably be seen from outer space - is also attracting complaints.

Now the owners are going to be asked to turn it off.

The matter was raised at a recent meeting of The Hoe Neighbourhood Forum and Waterfront Councillor Lewis Allison vowed he would make enquiries into whether the sign had planning permission.

Councillor Allison told The Beagle last night: "The issue of the illuminated sign is under active investigation. Illuminated signs in a conservation area do not benefit from deemed consent, and therefore the current installation requires proper consideration. We will be asking the business owner to turn the signage off under Section 224 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990," he said.

Virtual fishmonger planned to reconnect Plymouth with its daily catch

A new “virtual fishmonger” service is being developed in Plymouth in a bid to make locally caught seafood far easier for residents to find and buy.

The initiative, led by the Plymouth Fishing & Seafood Association (PFSA), will form part of a wider push to reconnect the city with its fishing fleet — despite Plymouth remaining one of England’s top ports by landings.

The digital platform, currently in development, will allow consumers to access information about locally landed fish and, ultimately, purchase it more easily — addressing what industry leaders say is a major gap between supply and public awareness.

It comes after new research by the PFSA found that 61 per cent of Plymouth residents do not know where to buy locally caught fish, while 68 per cent mistakenly believe the city’s Fish Quay has closed.

Campaign to reconnect city and sea

The virtual fishmonger concept was unveiled as part of a new campaign, “A Taste of the Salt”, which launched this week with a film premiere and portrait exhibition at The Box museum.

The campaign brings together film, photography and industry voices to highlight the people behind Plymouth’s working fishing fleet and encourage residents to rediscover local seafood.

Speaking at the launch, PFSA chief executive Edward Baker said the project aims to rebuild a connection that has weakened over time.

“Plymouth wouldn’t be Plymouth without its fishing fleet,” he said. “The boats are still going out every day and landing great fish, but many people don’t realise how much is happening on their doorstep.”

The short film, which features first-hand accounts from Plymouth fishermen about the realities of working in the industry today, is now available for the public to watch online:

Beagle fish facts:

🐟🐟🐟Why is fishing important in Plymouth?

Plymouth was built upon the fishing trade, and has relied on it for more than a thousand years. Centred on Sutton Harbour’s old Barbican, the port’s fishing fleet is the living, working heart of Britain’s ‘Ocean City’ and central to its identity.

🐟🐟🐟How much of the fish consumed in Plymouth is locally caught? 

As a nation in general, much of the fish we eat hails from murky supply chains. Upwards of 80 per cent of seafood consumed in Britain is imported, while much of what we catch is exported to foreign markets which place higher value on our produce. 

🐟🐟🐟Where can Plymouth locals now find locally-caught fish?

From local Fish Quay merchants such as Sole of Discretion, RG Seafoods and Rex Down, as well as the Market Plaice fishmongers in central Plymouth and, shortly, via the PFSA’s forthcoming Virtual Fishmonger service.

Murder mystery to debut on Drake’s Island

A new immersive event is set to launch on Drake’s Island next month, with organisers promising an afternoon of intrigue.

The island will host its first-ever murder mystery experience on Saturday, 11 April, as theatre group Murder by Midnight stages a Second World War–themed production titled “Churchill’s Final Hour!”.

Once a key defensive site during WW1 and WW2, Drake’s Island will provide the setting for the interactive event, which combines guided tours with live performance.

Guests will depart from the Barbican Landing Platform at 1.15pm via Plymouth Boat Trips before taking part in an afternoon featuring a historical tour, drinks and snacks, and a fully immersive mystery storyline involving “secrets, suspects and shocking twists”.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in 1940s-style attire, though this is optional.

Organisers say the event aims to blend history and entertainment, challenging visitors to solve the crime before time runs out.

Information and booking details here

Jack it up

Plymouth Hoe Bowling Club is holding an open day for prospective new members on Sunday April 12.

The club says bowling helps participants keep fit, and provides a social environment to make new friends.

There's free entry on the day, with complimentary refreshments. Remember to take flat shoes for wearing on the green.

New ferry service links Barbican to Saltash

A newly branded ferry service, connecting the waterfront to Saltash, launches in two weeks.

The Waterlink Ferry service will seamlessly connect the Barbican, Royal William Yard and the Cornish town.

The Waterlink Ferry also offers an easy onward connection to Mount Edgcumbe Country Park via the Cremyll Ferry.

And finally..... Albion are TV stars!

This weekend, Plymouth Albion become the first National League One club to be featured live on Clubber TV, bringing one of the biggest fixtures of the season to a wider audience. A top-of-the-table clash. A defining moment in Albion's league campaign. And now, wherever you are, you can be part of it.

To watch Rotherham Titans v Plymouth Albion, go to clubbertv.co.uk and set up an account. (Note: you have to pay)