Contractors announced to bring Mount Edgcumbe heritage to life

Plymouth Sound National Marine Park begins restoration of historic Garden Battery 

Plymouth Sound National Marine Park has announced the contractors appointed to restore the historic Garden Battery at Mount Edgcumbe. This marks a major step in bringing the site back to life as part of the Heritage Horizon programme, supported by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Plymouth City Council. 

This restoration forms part of the National Marine Park’s commitment to transform how people connect with the area’s rich maritime heritage. The work will revitalise a well-known landmark on the Rame Peninsula and along Plymouth Sound’s waterfront. 

An important part of maritime heritage, the granite casemented battery dates back to 1862, following a recommendation from the Royal Commission in 1860. Built on the site of an earlier saluting battery, it originally housed ten guns to defend the mouth of the Hamoaze and surrounding channel. By 1910, two searchlights had been installed in former gun casements. The site was one of the first to use Defensive Electric Lights, pre-WW1 and was key to protecting the port in both wars. The guns and lights were removed in 1927, and the Ministry of Defence relinquished the site in 1946, however, it’s key role in both wars is still remembered today.

Since then, the battery has remained a prominent yet largely inaccessible feature of the Mount Edgcumbe landscape. Delivered in partnership with the Mount Edgcumbe Joint Committee, comprising of Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council, with consultation with The Friends of Mount Edgecumbe, the restoration project will give the Garden Battery a new lease of life through careful conservation. Plans include curated heritage interpretation, community use, and private hire. For the first time in its history, the Garden Battery will open to the public, marking a significant milestone for the Marine Park’s maritime heritage work. Mount Edgecumbe Park is a cherished site for the Southwest offering free of charge access to its award winning historic formal grounds and gardens, with cafes, independent traders even Alpaca walks, this new restoration project adds a new level of engagement for its visitors. 

Councillor Tom Briars-Delve Plymouth City Council said: 

“Heritage is at the heart of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, and the Garden Battery is an important part of our maritime story. This project not only preserves the building, but creates new opportunities for engagement, learning and sustainable commercial use to support its long-term future.” 

Cornwall Councillor Jim Candy, Joint Chair of Mount Edgcumbe Committee said: 

“Mount Edgcumbe Joint Committee is delighted to support this important heritage work at Mount Edgcumbe, the Jewel in the Crown of SE Cornwall, a unique site offering free access to heritage from parkland through to the coastline, where the Garden Battery is located. Opening this space will make the area even more accessible to visitors from both Cornwall and Devon.” 

Given the site’s historic significance, specialist contractors have been selected for their expertise in heritage conservation. PLACE Architects, one of Cornwall’s longest-running architectural practices will lead the design, bringing extensive experience in conservation-led projects. They will work alongside Chadburn Conservation Architects, an AABC-registered specialist practice, to ensure the highest standards of heritage stewardship. 

Project management will be overseen by Insite Projects to ensure delivery aligns with the approved plans, while main contractor TEC Construction (Holdings) Ltd will undertake the restoration works. 

Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:

“This marks a major milestone for the Garden Battery at Mount Edgcumbe and the wider Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. As one of five Heritage Horizon Awards, this project was supported for its ambitious, transformational vision to reimagine how people experience heritage. It demonstrates the powerful impact that long-term, place-based investment can have – unlocking new opportunities for local communities to connect with, enjoy and take pride in the heritage on their doorstep.”

The Mount Edgcumbe Garden Battery project represents a significant step in preserving coastal heritage while creating meaningful public access and engagement, ensuring this important historic asset continues to inspire and serve the community for generations to come.