Work to transform one of Plymouth’s most recognisable waterfront facilities reaches a major milestone this month, as construction begins on the new Mount Batten Pontoon, part of the ongoing upgrade of the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre.

The installation of the new pontoon structure will secure the long-term future of the Mount Batten Ferry and improve access to water-based activities for residents, visitors and users of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park through the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre.

Best efforts have been made to keep disruption to a minimum, however for this exciting new phase of work to proceed safely, some temporary disruption is expected for slipway and pontoon users. This includes the removal of the current pontoon and the installation of a temporary replacement.

As a result, the Mount Batten Main (Eastern) Slipway will be closed to users including vehicles and launching from 26 February to 6 March.

The Mount Batten Northern (Western) Slipway will be closed to all vehicular traffic for the full durations of the works. It will remain open for launching of crafts by hand, however there will be short periods where this isn’t possible due to safety. This will be managed with signage on site, and all users are therefore asked to check for signage prior to slipway use.

During the installation of the temporary pontoon, the Mount Batten Ferry service will pause from 23 February to 4 March.

Once in place, the temporary pontoon will enable the ferry to resume operations, maintaining essential connections between the historic Barbican and Mount Batten while the new pontoon is constructed. These dates may be extended if weather conditions require, but the project team remains confident they can complete the temporary works within the planned window.

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said:

“It is fantastic to see work start on this milestone moment for Plymouth. This is about Plymouth City Council investing in our city’s future while putting safety first. The Mount Batten Pontoon is more than just a landing stage, it’s a vital link for communities, a launchpad for opportunity, and a symbol of our ambition to make Plymouth a truly inclusive and connected waterfront city. This investment will protect essential services, support local businesses and open up the Sound to everyone, all year round.”

The £4.2 million investment will repair critical infrastructure, including the bridgehead and seawall, and create new commercial berths to generate income that will support the pontoon’s long-term maintenance. The new pontoon is expected to be completed by late summer 2026.

This significant improvement project is made possible through funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, UK Government and Plymouth City Council. It will enhance accessibility to the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, helping more people connect with the water and the city’s maritime heritage.

As part of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park’s £22 million transformation programme, the scheme reflects a city‑wide commitment to sustainable transport, inclusive recreation and economic growth. The new pontoon has been engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions and will be fully accessible, ensuring safer and more enjoyable water access for everyone.

Stuart McLeod, Director for England, London and South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:

“Plymouth Sound National Marine Park is one of just five landmark projects across the UK to receive support through our Heritage Horizon Awards – designed to back some of the most ambitious and transformative heritage projects. The Mount Batten Pontoon plays a vital role in this vision and thanks to National Lottery players, it will help unlock new ways for people to engage with Plymouth’s extraordinary maritime heritage, making it more inclusive and accessible than ever before.”

The Mount Batten Centre remains a cornerstone of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park programme, promoting connection with the ocean and celebrating the city’s maritime identity. Alongside the pontoon upgrade, improvements are underway on land, including a redesigned reception to create a warm and welcoming entrance, a new ground‑floor bistro with outdoor seating and waterfront views, and upgraded changing facilities meeting Sport England and Changing Places standards.

Richard Stevens MBE DL, Chair of the Board, Mount Batten Centre Charity Trust said:

“This is another exciting milestone in the redevelopment works at the Mount Batten Centre. With the upgraded facilities at the Centre including changing rooms, a new-look reception area and food and beverage offering, along with the new pontoon, the Mount Batten Centre and wider peninsula will be a fantastic anchor point for all to access the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.”

For ongoing updates and timings of potential disruptions please visit the Mount Batten Centre redevelopment website page https://mount-batten-centre.com/redevelopment-works  or visit the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park social media channels.

FAQs

What work is taking place at Mount Batten?

Plymouth City Council and partners are beginning construction of a new, state-of-the-art pontoon. This upgrade is part of wider improvements to the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre and forms a key element of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park transformation programme.

Why is the pontoon being replaced?

The previous pontoon had reached the end of its useful life. The new structure will:

  • Secure the long-term future of the Mount Batten Ferry
  • Improve access to water‑based activities delivered by the Mount Batten Centre and its Affiliates and Clubs.
  • Provide safer, more resilient and fully accessible facilities
  • Support income generation through new commercial berths

When will the slipway be closed?

The Mount Batten Main (Eastern) Slipway will be closed to all users for a few days between 26 February and 6 March to allow the installation of a temporary pontoon.

The Mount Batten Northern (Western) Slipway will be closed to all vehicular traffic for the full durations of the works.  It will remain open for launching of crafts by hand for the majority of time, however there may be short periods where this isn’t possible and this will be managed with signage on site.

Will the Mount Batten Ferry be running?

The ferry service will pause from 23 February to 4 March while the temporary pontoon is installed.
Once in place, the ferry will resume normal operations between the Barbican and Mount Batten.

Could these dates change?

Yes. While the project team is confident the works will be completed on schedule, bad weather or safety considerations may require dates to change.

How long will the project take to complete?

The new pontoon is expected to be fully completed by late summer 2026.

How much is being invested in the new pontoon?

A total of £4.2 million is being invested to repair essential infrastructure, create commercial berths and build a modern, accessible pontoon.

Who is funding the project?

The project is funded by:

  • The National Lottery Heritage Fund
  • UK Government
  • Plymouth City Council

How does this project support the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park?

The pontoon upgrade will:

  • Improve access to the water for residents and visitors
  • Support sustainable travel across the Sound
  • Enhance outdoor recreation opportunities
  • Celebrate Plymouth’s maritime heritage
    It forms part of the wider £22 million National Marine Park transformation programme.

What other improvements are happening at the Mount Batten Centre?

On land upgrades include:

  • A redesigned and more welcoming reception area
  • A new ground floor bistro with waterfront views‑floor bistro with waterfront views
  • Improved changing facilities meeting Sport England and Changing Places standards