Great Western Railway (GWR) has made a decisive move to cement its future in Plymouth, securing a significant long-term office presence in a landmark property deal. The train operator has taken a lease on a substantial former Royal Mail building directly adjacent to Plymouth railway station, marking the largest office letting the city has seen in ten years.
A Strategic Hub for Rail Operations
This strategic acquisition forms a core part of GWR's pledged investment to drive rail-led regeneration and economic growth across the South West. The four-storey building, located on a two-acre site with around 100 parking spaces, will become a consolidated base for the company's operational and administrative staff, as well as for its rail industry partners.
The premises will undergo a full refurbishment to provide modern, purpose-built facilities. According to GWR, this will deliver "significantly enhanced accommodation" for teams working on station operations and future development projects, ultimately enabling the company to better serve passengers and local communities.
Reinforcing Plymouth Station as an Economic Catalyst
Joe Graham, GWR's Business Assurance Director, stated the investment underscores the operator's commitment to creating an excellent working environment for its people. The move powerfully reinforces Plymouth station's role as a central hub for employment, capital investment, and future growth within the city centre.
The building has a notable history, having originally served as a postal sorting centre for Royal Mail. It was comprehensively renovated and transformed in 2019 for use by the University of Plymouth. Following the University's departure in September 2024 and the granting of planning permission for continued office use, GWR moved swiftly to secure the lease.
Property Experts Hail Transformative Deal
Property agents Hector Pearce and Altitude Investments acted jointly for the landlord in the transaction, with legal support from Temple Bright LLP and planning advice from Tozers LLP. Andrew Hector of Hector Pearce highlighted the deal's significance, noting it was the largest office letting in the region outside of Bristol for a decade.
"It will bring significant investment to Plymouth City Centre," Hector said, "and could act as a catalyst for the wider redevelopment of the railway station." This sentiment underscores the broader economic potential seen in GWR's commitment, which promises to anchor jobs and spur further regeneration in the area surrounding the transport hub for years to come.
