A UK coastal city has experienced a turbulent few years, with the city centre undergoing substantial, and at times, controversial changes. During the depths of winter, this city centre did appear somewhat quiet, with shoppers expressing worries that it might become a "ghost town" as a huge department store shut its doors forever.

But now, a brand-new look on Armada Way in Plymouth is taking shape, and despite the city's cherished historic department store being gone, the city centre is buzzing with a new continental vibe. When Plymouth's House of Fraser shut its doors permanently last month (March 2026), numerous residents voiced concerns about the knock-on effect this could have on the city. However, since then, I have observed footfall gradually increasing once more, alongside significant progress being made on Armada Way's extensive regeneration scheme.

As tables and chairs extend onto the recently refurbished streets on a sunny day, the city centre has adopted a fresh feel while maintaining its authentic Devonian character.

The city centre is starting to look genuinely vibrant again, with more and more seating areas emerging in the surrounding area, enabling people to savour their pasty, coffee or sweet treats while sitting outside in some sunshine.

Cloud 9 Doughnuts, located on Armada Way adjacent to Oggy Oggy, seems to be growing busier by the day - and I am not surprised, having sampled some of their sweet (and savoury) offerings, which are delicious.

Independent retailers and new chain outlets have launched or begun to flourish over recent months, with Victoria's Secret unveiling a store in Drakes Circus last month.

At the delightful Plymouth Market, an Italian-influenced bakery, with origins in South Devon, has recently opened its doors - and I intend to visit that new offering soon.

Trees have now been planted en masse along the lengthy principal city centre thoroughfare that was the focus of controversy three years ago (March 2023), when the original trees were removed.

Now, the replacement trees are lending a lively appearance to a well-frequented street that extends from the railway station towards the waterfront.

On the Barbican, it is starting to assume the energetic ambience of the festive period as residents and tourists explore the independent galleries and gift shops located there that we are all fortunate to have in the city.

Strolling around Drakes Circus on Friday, I observed how crowded it was, with M&S positively teeming with shoppers - and I question whether certain retailers such as M&S are experiencing increased footfall since House of Fraser closed down.

Naturally, one thing in particular is attracting numerous visitors into the city at present and that is the Beryl Cook exhibition at The Box museum - and scattered around the city, from Plymouth Hoe to Plymouth Market, you will spot larger than life figures representing the legendary artist's work.

Babcock is poised to occupy the presently empty House of Fraser premises, and as one of the city's biggest employers, this represents welcome news for residents, including the city's commercial sector, though this transformation will require considerable time to materialise.

Meanwhile, the revised bus scheme on Royal Parade was launched last month delivering a sleek and refined appearance to that thoroughfare - while simplifying boarding processes.

One local resident shared his perspective on the Armada Way regeneration project with me, he said the original trees that "grew up at the top end" had "provided cover for anti-social behaviour and for rats".

He told me: "For a long time it was realised by many that the former Armada Way was a bad design. It was not a nice environment. I contacted the council about it long before all the tree publicity and fuss. Many could see that it did not meet the vision of being a clear way with views to the Hoe - which is so simple and logical."

He added: "The new landscape (which is not yet finished) will be really special, and great expense has been made to make it as such, including the superb children's play park. Some do not understand its potential. By late this summer it should look really good - and by the summer 2027 it should be a real showpiece."

Steve Hughes from the Plymouth City Centre Company has always "unanimously supported the plans for Armada Way".

He told me: "An important consideration is that city centre businesses were crying out for improvements to Armada Way. Without this project the heart of the city centre was in danger of terminal decline.

"Thanks to this work further investment is now coming forward which means more housing, leisure and offices, giving us a more diverse and sustainable economy. The new scheme is beautifully designed with people in mind.

"It's more welcoming and safer with lots more space for events, walking and cycling has far more seating and lighting. With the play village and other activity areas, it will bring the streets to life and be the envy of other town and city centres."