Plymouth Sound National Marine Park plans set for submission

Plans for the rollout of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park are about to be submitted to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for approval.Over the last four years, 10,000 people have been spoken to, with “millions more engaged” online as the proposals came together.The impact of the scheme would lead to opportunities for residents and visitors to “reconnect with and explore the ocean in exciting new ways, boosting the city’s credentials both economically and environmentally”.Councillor Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “The Plymouth Sound National Marine Park would still be a pie in the sky, but for the support and enthusiasm of the great Plymouth public and I’m so grateful to each and every resident who has engaged with us as we’ve put this bid together.”A great debt of gratitude is owed to so many people for studious work that has gone into making this plan a potential reality.”I think it shows the best of Plymouth – great minds and great organisations coming together with an idea and building it in to something that will make the city that we love an even better place to live and work.”If the bid is successful, a five-year plan will be rolled out.Alongside this, plans and investments in the Park’s surrounding buildings and structures would be realised with improvements to the iconic Tinside Lido, a makeover for the Mount Batten Peninsula and the restoration of parts of the Mount Edgcumbe estate in the plans.Nicola Bridge, head of ocean advocacy and engagement at the Ocean Conservation Trust, added: “We are delighted to be part of the delivery phase of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and look forward to bringing our education programmes to a wide and diverse audience.”A decision on approval from the Heritage Lottery Fund is expected before Christmas and if successful, the project will begin in the new year.