Modern Plymouth has a population of nearly 250,000 people and is consequently the third largest city in Southern England.

It links to France and Spain by Brittany Ferries that leave regularly from Millbay Docks.

International Links
Plymouth is twinned with several other towns around the world, including Gdynia in Poland, San Sebastian in Spain, Novorossiysk in Russia, Brest in France, and Plymouth, Massachusetts (since 2001).

Since the extensive destruction of Plymouth during the Blitz (see Part 2), the city has suffered from an economic decline. This has not been helped by the contraction in national spending on Defence, following the end of the Cold War. As a result, the city has been percieved as being in the doldrums, relying on the Tourism industry to provide much of its income. But that is all set to change as Plymouth is widely recognised as being in the throes of a regeneration.

The regeneration of Plymouth is like a second new beginning and is a time of great optimism for Plymothians.

This is a boom time for new construction. New business parks, hotels and apartment complexes are springing up across Plymouth. The University of Plymouth seems to be doubling in size every week and the media is full of discussion about growth.

Plymouth Chamber of Commerce doubled it's membership over 2005 and there is a great interest in developing international links (see the Planet Plymouth project). Plymouth is even undergoing a rebranding exercise complete with new logo:

Plymouth's proposed new logo

Drake Circus
One of the most exciting new developments is the Drake Circus shopping mall which opened in October 2006. For more details about Drake Circus click here.

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The secret behind Plymouth's revitalisation is largely attributed to the fact that the city has taken up the plan proposed by acclaimed architect David MacKay. MacKay's inspiring ‘Vision for Plymouth’ has already started to become a reality. Drake Circus shopping centre will bring shoppers into Plymouth from all over the South West and although not loved by all residents, is generally acknowledged as a welcome addition to Plymouth by bsinesses and shoppers alike.

The construction of the ‘outdoor events area’ has enabled a temporary outdoor ice rink, a Wimbledon big screen, a Bavarian Market, and many other attractions to be staged in the city centre.

The filling in of the subway has opened up the vista from Armada Way up to the Hoe, and has greatly improved the look and feel of the city centre (as well as decreasing your chances of getting mugged).

Tinside lido, Smeaton’s Tower and much of the promenade around Plymouth Hoe have been renovated with great success, whilst many other exciting projects are in the planning stage, such as the redevelopment of Millbay.

There has never been a better time to live in Plymouth.