Closure of two military bases in Plymouth delayed
It follows a campaign by Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP Luke Pollard
Last updated 28th Jun 2022
The Ministry of Defence has revealed that they are delaying the closure of two key military bases in Plymouth.
The Royal Citadel - home of 29 Commando Royal Artillery - will not be disposed of until 2035, whilst the Stonehouse Barracks - referred to as the "spiritual home of the Royal Marines" - will not close until at least 2029.
The Citadel was due to close in 2024 and RM Stonehouse in 2027.
It follows a campaign by Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP Luke Pollard.
This is the second delay since Mr Pollard launched his campaign to save the bases from closure and keep the Royal Marines in Plymouth.
He says they both play "big roles" in the community and make "significant economic contributions" to the city:
"I want to see the Royal Marines and 29 Commando stay in Plymouth. To do that the government needs to invest in both the Citadel and the Stonehouse Barracks.
"They keep postponing the closure dates, but the truth is they need to modernise these bases and invest in the buildings and facilities there. Ministers simply cannot expect our service personnel to live and work in deteriorating conditions over such a long period of time.
"I hope that with these extra delays, the MOD will rightly conclude as most of Plymouth has, that these bases are right place for 29 Commando and the Royal Marines. We now need to see money spent on modernisation so the very best in our military have the very best accommodation and facilities too."
Luke Pollard - Plymouth Sutton & Devonport MP
Chris Penberthy, Councillor for St. Peter and the Waterfront Ward, said: "The Citadel and Stonehouse Barracks are both important to the life of Plymouth and the communities within which they are based.
"I welcome the announcement today. However, for the marines in Stonehouse Barracks we now need investment in facilities to ensure that their living and working conditions are bought up to a decent standard.
"My long-term hope is that both the Citadel and Stonehouse Barracks retain their current uses."
Chris Penberthy - Councillor for St. Peter and the Waterfront Ward