Major rail investment confirmed as GWR takes landmark Plymouth office lease

Great Western Railway has confirmed a major long-term investment in Plymouth after securing a lease on a large office building next to the city’s main railway station, reinforcing its commitment to regeneration and rail-led growth in the South West.

The agreement is understood to be the biggest office letting in Plymouth for more than ten years and the largest across the wider region outside Bristol. GWR said the move underlines the strategic importance of Plymouth as a centre for rail operations, employment and future development.

Under the new lease, the operator will bring together operational and administrative teams alongside rail industry partners in a single, purpose-built hub immediately adjoining Plymouth station. The relocation is expected to strengthen the station’s role as a focal point for investment and collaboration within the city.

The four-storey building extends to 53,650 square feet and sits on a two-acre site with around 100 parking spaces. It will provide expanded and improved accommodation for staff involved in day-to-day operations, administrative functions and work linked to station activity and longer-term development plans.

Originally built as a Royal Mail sorting office, the property was extensively refurbished and converted by the University of Plymouth in 2019. After the university vacated the building in September and planning consent was granted for office use, GWR moved to secure the lease. Hector Pearce and Altitude Investments jointly represented the landlord, supported by Temple Bright LLP Solicitors, with planning advice from Tozers LLP.

Joe Graham, Business Assurance Director at Great Western Railway, said:

"We are delighted to announce that GWR has secured a new building lease that will provide our teams and rail industry partners with modern, fit-for-purpose accommodation for years to come. This significant investment demonstrates our commitment to creating an excellent working environment for our people. The building will be refurbished to deliver substantially improved facilities for operational staff, administrative teams, and colleagues from across the wider rail industry - enabling us to better serve our passengers and communities."

Andrew Hector of Hector Pearce commented:

“Simon Bennett and I previously advised Royal Mail on the letting to the University of Plymouth and subsequent investment sale and we are really pleased to have supported the now owner in securing an almost immediate sequential letting to GWR. This is the largest office letting in Plymouth for a decade and the largest in the region outside of Bristol. It will bring significant investment to Plymouth City Centre and could act as a catalyst for the wider redevelopment of the railway station".

Simon Bennett of Altitude Investments commented:

“I am delighted to have again worked with Andrew Hector in quickly securing a long-term tenant of high quality for this building. This is a real boost for the Plymouth and South West office market. Given the building’s central location and proximity to Plymouth station, there were advantages for GWR in taking the lease, and we look forward to working with them going forward.”

Image: Great Western Railway