Employ Plymouth 

Location: Plymouth City Centre 
Year: 2020
Client: Plymouth City Council 

The Employment Incubator is strategically located at the intersection of Millbay and Stonehouse, with the intent of bridging these two communities and fostering a sense of unity. This project aligns with the broader redevelopment plans for Millbay, aimed at creating a more prosperous future for the area and its residents.

Employ Plymouth, the employment incubator, is designed to address the root causes that hinder individuals from seeking and securing employment. The project’s mission is to offer a fresh start to those who have been marginalized, working to break the cycle of deprivation that has long plagued the city of Plymouth. It recognizes that the barriers to employment are complex and often hidden, and therefore seeks to engage with the community directly, offering tailored support to help overcome these challenges.

The incubator provides much-needed assistance across a wide range of mediums, creating a multidisciplinary space characterized by a large, open-plan social and interactive environment. The ground floor is designed for seamless movement, with multiple entrances facing the surrounding streets, inviting the community in. A training kitchen and café serve as hubs for both skill-building and social interaction, while a social space at the southern end of the building offers a relaxed setting for entertainment and engagement, featuring activities like pool and table football.

The first floor, accessible by the main staircase, secondary staircase, or incline lift, ensures inclusivity for users of all abilities. This level houses various educational spaces, catering to both group and individual learning, and provides resource areas to foster community interaction and skill acquisition, essential for employment progression.

On the second floor, the focus shifts to health-related barriers to employment. Here, small consultation rooms and larger meeting spaces facilitate both individual and group interactions, addressing health concerns that may be hindering employment. Additionally, a small gymnasium promotes physical well-being, encouraging a positive mindset.

The roof space addresses the scarcity of habitable ground space in urban environments, offering an open area where community members can find respite. This meditation and sensory space provides an escape from daily stresses, with a focus on the sky above, fostering tranquility and mental clarity in the heart of the urban landscape.