Final preparations are being made at Beaumont Way, Langage South, where four new high-quality employment units have just completed build within only 12 months.
Located within Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, the development is owned by Plymouth City Council and was funded by the Council and the Freeport in partnership. It represents a significant step delivering modern, sustainable workspace that supports the city’s long-term economic ambitions.
The four units range in size from 750 square metres/ 8,100 square feet to just over 2,000 square metres/ 22,200 square feet and have been designed to meet the needs of growing and innovative businesses. Each offers flexible workshop or production space alongside fully fitted offices at both ground and first floor level, with lift access throughout. Welfare facilities include showers and changing areas, while dedicated service yards and on-site car parking, with EV charging pods, ensure the buildings are practical and future-ready.
Quality, flexibility and sustainability have been central to the design and build. The Beaumont Way units form a Net Carbon Zero scheme and incorporate a wide range of energy-saving features aimed at reducing operating costs for occupiers. These include solar glazing, LED lighting, solar PV panels, efficient electric heating, high levels of insulation, all contributing to lower energy use and long-term resilience.
But even before any tenants have moved in, and as a direct result of Plymouth City Council’s social value interventions, the development is already helping to build careers and futures for local people. Through the council-led project, Plymouth and South West Devon’s Freeport is supporting wider opportunity and skills development, working with Devon Contractors, who delivered the complex on the council’s behalf.
In total, eight work placements were delivered, six jobs created including apprentices and graduates, supported seven construction careers events and generated 172 waged training weeks. Seventeen qualifications were gained, 14 individual training plans were completed and employability support was also provided for people leaving military service through collaboration with Skills Launchpad Plymouth.
Councillor Mark Lowry, Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, highlighted the importance of embedding social value into major council-led developments, noting that the results have exceeded expectations and helped raise aspirations by giving young people practical experience and confidence as they consider future careers.
Nigel Whelan, Managing Director at Devon Contractors, described Langage South as a genuine team effort, shaped by close collaboration with the local community, education partners and supply chain, and reflected in the quality of the finished buildings.
The Beaumont Way units form one of three Freeport tax sites and were funded through a £4 million Freeport seed capital allocation, match-funded by Plymouth City Council. The development is expected to support around 138 full-time jobs. Langage is the largest of the Freeport’s tax sites and, providing strategically important space for businesses operating in marine, defence, space, advanced manufacturing, engineering and net zero technology, sectors that align with the Freeport’s growth and investment objectives while delivering clear benefits.
For further information on the Beaumont Way units and availability, interested parties should contact Eifion.Jones@pasdfreeport.com.
More details can also be found at www.plymouth.gov.uk/langage-south-beaumont-way.