A new area is being developed at Plymouth's historic Royal William Yard, with work commencing on an extension to the parking facilities to create over 100 additional spaces. This project represents the next stage in its regeneration and is one of several initiatives underway this year, as the Yard continues to evolve during its 200th anniversary year.

Work will begin today – Monday 31st March – to convert the former reservoir at Devil's Point into much-needed additional parking for the bustling waterfront destination. The work is expected to take 6 months to complete. When finished, Royal William Yard will have significantly expanded parking capacity, in addition to having several sustainable travel options on offer.

The project is an extension to the existing Nursery car park, and it has always been part of the long-term plan for Royal William Yard. The Grade I listed site has been re-imagined by Urban Splash over the last two decades, transforming it from a derelict site into a vibrant destination.

The reservoir – which has been tucked away on the Western King headland – will maintain its historic perimeter wall as the new car park is developed within. In addition to the new spaces being created, the car park will have solar-powered lighting, clear road markings, pedestrian footpaths, and a new pedestrian crossing point.

An access point to the new car park will be created through the wall of Royal William Yard’s existing Nursery car park, with a ramp connecting the two areas and steps for pedestrians. Motorists will also be able to access it via Admiralty Road, through Plymouth City Council’s Devil’s Point car park, which will remain in situ as a public car park.

Disruption will be kept to a minimum, but during construction a small number of parking spaces in the top car park at Royal William Yard will be closed to allow the new access point to be created. Devil's Point public car park will be temporarily closed for a short period to enable it to be resurfaced and improved.

Environmental consideration has been built into the plans, with additional areas of new planting to be added. Swathes of wildflower seeding along the access route and bulb planting under trees around the parking areas will enrich the site's biodiversity. Royal William Yard is known for its outstanding landscaping and already holds awards from Britain in Bloom.

The car park expansion has been designed by Gillespie Yunnie Architects, the Devon-based firm that has worked on Royal William Yard's award-winning transformation since the outset. The design ensures the project complements the historic setting while providing practical improvements.

This project comes as Royal William Yard celebrates its bicentennial anniversary. Designed by legendary British engineer, Sir John Rennie, and named after King William IV, Royal William Yard was built in 1825 to equip Royal Navy fleets with food, drink and supplies. Urban Splash has revived this former Naval victualling yard from an unloved space into a must-visit location that receives over one million visits each year.

For more information, visit www.royalwilliamyard.com and to learn more about Urban Splash and its projects at www.urbansplash.co.uk