Martyn’s Gate Garden

BuildX led a volunteer effort to restore Martyn’s Gate Garden in Sutton Harbour, uniting local contractors, college students, a nursery and residents at no cost to the public purse.

While planning works in the Sutton Harbour and Bretonside area for Plymouth Community Homes, the BuildX (SW) Ltd team spotted a community space with real potential. Martyn’s Gate Garden had become overgrown, and online reviews showed visitors were having a poor experience there.

Rather than simply noting the problem, BuildX decided to do something about it. The company coordinated a community project to transform the garden into a welcoming, usable space, supporting the council’s wider regeneration ambitions at no cost to the public purse.

What the project delivered

• Repairs to the garden’s walls and benches
• Freshly painted railings
• A restored community notice board
• New planting chosen to boost biodiversity, providing food and habitat for pollinators and other wildlife

Inspiring the next generation

BuildX worked with students from City College Plymouth, who were able to link the project to their course-based learning. Plymouth City Council’s planning team gave nominated students the chance to sit in on a pre-planning application meeting, and the wider council team helped arrange site access.

Younger children got involved too. Tots Day Nurseries joined the project, with BuildX delivering nature workshops to help children connect with the outdoors.

A real community effort

The enthusiasm spread beyond the construction industry. Local residents and businesses lent a hand, including a nearby coffee shop owner who volunteered their time and offered discounts to the students helping with clearance, painting and planting.

The project was made possible by contributions from fellow Building Plymouth supporters and local partners:

• Arborcure Ltd
• SOS Superior Decorators
• The Plym Group Ltd
• Collaton Safety Management
• Stay Dry Roofing (SW) Ltd
• JEM Scaffolding Ltd
• Devon and Cornwall Cleaning Services
• Johnstone’s Trade Paints PPG
• Travis Perkins
• Atlas Graphics
• City College Plymouth
• Tots Day Nurseries

A big thank you also goes to BuildX team members Sam Morcumb, Leah Basten, Chloe Jones, Jake Sutton, Ben Cowley, Phil Phipps and Rich Bush for all their hard work.

At BuildX, we believe in building what matters. Martyn’s Gate Garden shows how small contributions can add up to a big difference when a community pulls together. This project wasn’t only about restoring a garden. It was about building pride, creating connections and helping make Plymouth a stronger community.