Readers are split on whether years of works will benefit or disrupt
David Prince and Plymouth Live readers
12:00, 14 Apr 2026
House of Fraser in Plymouth after it fully closed down in March 2026(Image: Katie Oborn)
Plymouth Live readers are divided over proposals for Babcock staff to relocate into the former Dingles building, with many expressing concern that the city centre will resemble a construction zone for years to come, while others believe the development will generate income and employment opportunities.
Babcock bosses have confirmed it will be a “few years” before as many as 2,000 workers move into the former House of Fraser department store in Plymouth city centre.
The defence giant stated the building will require “extensive refurbishment” following its acquisition before it can serve as a new Capability Centre.
Plymouth City Council and Plymouth City Centre Company have both welcomed the relocation of up to 2,000 staff from Devonport Dockyard, stating it will “significantly increase footfall” in the city centre and provide a boost to local businesses.
However, Babcock International Group Plc has informed PlymouthLive that it will be some considerable time before the building is ready for occupation.
The FTSE 100 firm also disclosed details regarding security arrangements and transport provisions for staff who will be based there.
PlymouthLive revealed last month that a deal to acquire the department store was imminent, which was subsequently confirmed by Babcock.
One early comment from JanePowell, who writes: “So another building site to grace our beautiful city centre. All that money spent on glorifying other bits and now this eyesore to sit alongside the Civic Centre.”
Philosopherking adds: “Jeez, another boarded up building in the City Centre for the next few years! Should fit right in with the Civic Centre, the old Salvation Army building and others. Going to be a while before we can really enjoy the changes.”
Nochancer26 comments: “The contractors will bring much needed revenue to the local shops, cafes and restaurants whilst they work on the Dingles building in preparation for Babcock staff to move in.”
Ranger22 thinks: “Leave it alone. Remember when we had a vast number of department stores, including Woolworths? They created many jobs back then. The Co-op was a great store to visit.”
Princewalter disagrees: “Leave it as a relic? Did you think Babcock was going to move straight in? The renovations will create hundreds of jobs and cost tens of millions of pounds. You have seen what happens when buildings are left alone. Debenhams is a total mess.”
KenJohnson1 says: “So no real benefit then to the City Centre cafes, shops, sandwich businesses, etc. for several years. I suspect a large area around the front and sides of Royal Parade and Armada Way will be fenced off, making the area look even more unattractive and, in turn, putting people off visiting the City Centre.
“I doubt many businesses will survive that long with reduced footfall. So spending all that money on Armada Way seems a total waste, cart before the horse, that should have been done last, not first, after all the buildings were either demolished or rebuilt/refurbished. Visitors will have building sites/works going on all around, who will want to sit and enjoy Armada Way with jack hammers and building site noises right next to them, not many! So in a decade’s time, Armada Way will look tired, run down, unmaintained, and need doing again to match all the lovely brand new buildings, bad planning again, as I say cart before the horse!”
Sloopdog1 believes: “Worst move in the city centre’s history. The offices will be a prime target, putting the city’s residents and visitors in danger. With the world in turmoil, it is silly to put a Ministry of Defence partner in an open city centre unless they plan to put up a fence for security around the building. It should have been turned into an urban theme park like Westfield in London, or at least something for residents and visitors; again, PCC has missed an opportunity just like the airport.
Will the work on the Dingles building be worth it? Comment below or HERE to join in the debate.
