Whilst we undergo an exciting period of redevelopment works as part of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park we are still open for activities. This web page will be used to communicate ongoing updates.
Should you wish to contact the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park project team about the works please email: NMPHorizon@plymouth.gov.uk
Wednesday 29th July 2026:
Mount Batten Pontoon welcomes back ferry service
A major milestone has been reached in the transformation of the Mount Batten Water Sports and Activities Centre, with installation of the new Mount Batten pontoon now nearing completion.
As the first phase of the project, the Mount Batten Ferry will begin operating from the new and improved landing pontoon on Wednesday 29 July, ensuring the continuation of the water link between Plymouth’s historic Barbican, Mount Batten and the South West Coast Path.
The new pontoon will provide improved access to water-based activities and experiences, benefiting residents, visitors and users of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. It will offer safer, more resilient, and fully accessible access for water sports, helping more people connect with Plymouth’s unique waterfront for years to come.
Designed with users’ safety in mind, the new pontoon features a bridge linking it to the hardstanding area, removing the need to cross the shoreline below and providing safer access at all states of the tide.
A further update for other pontoon users will follow shortly as part of the second phase of the project.
Ferry users are reminded to follow signage regarding waterfront areas where access has been restricted for public safety. For more information, visit Mount Batten beach | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK
Monday 29th June 2026:
We would like to remind all users of the Mount Batten Centre about the temporary parking and access arrangements that will be in place over the coming weeks to allow essential improvement works to be completed.
Car Parking – no access from Monday 29th June
To enable the completion of works, including improvements to the main car park, parking on site will be very limited throughout July and August.
- Classic Builders will take control of the main car park from the week commencing 29 June, and there will be no access to this area during July and August.
- During this period, please park off site when visiting the Mount Batten Centre, using local public car parks or on-street parking where permitted.
- Please park considerately and do not block access roads or neighbouring driveways.
Disabled Parking
While the main car park is closed, two disabled parking spaces will be available in front of Compound C.
- Spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Vehicles must display the appropriate disabled parking badge/documentation at all times whilst parked.
We ask all users to ensure they comply with these temporary parking arrangements and any parking restrictions in the surrounding area.
Access to Boat Parks
Temporary Reception Opening Hours
Please also note our current temporary reception opening hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 08:00 – 20:00
- Friday: 08:00 – 17:00
- Saturday: 08:00 – 16:00
- Sunday: 08:00 – 15:00
Finally, please be aware that the Fire Assembly Point has been relocated and is now situated in the small car park adjacent to the temporary reception.
Monday 18th May 2026:
Essential crane works are scheduled for the week commencing 18 May 2026. The exact start date is expected to be Thursday 21stMay (weather dependent) and will be confirmed as we get closer.
During the works:
- No vehicle or pedestrian access to the road leading to the front of the centre and the Western slipway.
- A crane will be on-site to install new pre-cast concrete steps in the seating area overlooking the water.
- Works may be noisy at times. Classic Builders will work to minimise disruption.
A signed diversion route will be in place. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation while these essential works are carried out
Tuesday 17th March 2026:
The installation works on the temporary pontoon have been successfully completed. Following the required health and safety commissioning process, the Mount Batten Ferry service has resumed service today (Tuesday 17th March).
Thank you to all users and residents for their patience while this essential work was carried out. With the pontoon and bridge now fully commissioned, we look forward to welcoming the Mount Batten Ferry and its passengers back to Mount Batten.
For all slipway users: the Eastern Slipway will remain closed this week.
Friday 13th March 2026:
Tuesday 3rd March 2026:
Mount Batten Pontoon Project Update – Barge Arrival delay and Revised Dates
Following on from last week’s update, the barge required to complete both the temporary pontoon and main pontoon works was originally planned to depart Southampton on Friday. Unfortunately, worsening weather conditions meant there was not enough time for the barge to safely travel from Southampton to Plymouth.
We are pleased to confirm that the barge was able to depart Southampton this morning and is now on its way to Plymouth.
As a result of the delayed departure, the pause to the water ferry service will be extended, and the closure period for the main (eastern) slipway will be delay by a week.
Updated Dates
Mount Batten Ferry Service
- The suspension of the ferry service will now continue until 13 March.
- Normal ferry operations are expected to resume on Saturday, 14 March.
Mount Batten Main (Eastern) Slipway Closure
- The slipway will be closed to all users (including vehicles and launching) from 16 March to 25 March.
- Access will reopen on 26 March.
At this stage, we do not anticipate any impact on the overall completion of the project, as the delay is expected to be absorbed within the current timelines.
Thank you for your patience
Wednesday 25th February 2026:
Delays expected for Mount Batten Temporary Pontoon due to adverse weather
We would like to provide an update on the delivery of the temporary pontoon and the associated changes to local access and ferry services.
The original barge scheduled, which is essential to enable the delivery of the temporary and new pontoon works, was due to depart from Cork, Ireland, however, adverse weather conditions in the Irish Sea required a change of plan. TMS has since secured an alternative barge, which departed from the Medway Estuary on Monday 23rd February, when a suitable weather window became available.
The current plan is for the barge to travel to Southampton, where it will await the next safe weather window before continuing its journey to Plymouth. We are hopeful that it will arrive over the weekend.
Access and Service Updates
- Mount Batten Main (Eastern) Slipway Closure
The slipway will be closed to all users, including vehicles and launching, from 9 March to 18 March (updated from the original 26 Feb to 6 March dates). - Mount Batten Ferry Service
Due to installation works for the temporary pontoon, the Mount Batten Ferry service will pause from 23 February to 4 March.
At this point we hope that these dates will be unchanged, however a further update will be issued on Monday if the pause is to be extended.
We thank all users and residents for their patience as this essential work progresses.
Friday 13th February 2026:
PLNTM issued by KHM – https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/khm/plymouth/local-notices/lntm/2026/plntm-024_26-mount-batten-engineering-works-information
Thursday 12th February 2026:
Mount Batten Pontoon Upgrade – Frequently Asked Questions
What work is taking place at Mount Batten?
Plymouth City Council and partners are beginning construction of a new, state-of-the-art pontoon. This upgrade is part of wider improvements to the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre and forms a key element of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park transformation programme.
Why is the pontoon being replaced?
The previous pontoon had reached the end of its useful life. The new structure will:
• Secure the long-term future of the Mount Batten Ferry
• Improve access to water based activities delivered by the Mount Batten Centre and its Affiliates and Clubs
• Provide safer, more resilient and fully accessible facilities
• Support income generation through new commercial berths.
When will the slipway be closed?
The Mount Batten Main (Eastern) Slipway will be closed to all users for a few days between 26 February and 6 March to allow the installation of a temporary pontoon.
The Mount Batten Northern (Western) Slipway will be closed to all vehicular traffic for the full duration of the works. It will remain open for launching of crafts by hand for the majority of time, however there may be short periods where this isn’t possible and this will be managed with signage on site.
Will the Mount Batten Ferry be running?
The ferry service will pause from 23 February to 4 March while the temporary pontoon is installed.
Once in place, the ferry will resume normal operations between the Barbican and Mount Batten.
Could these dates change?
Yes. While the project team is confident the works will be completed on schedule, bad weather or safety considerations may require dates to change.
How long will the project take to complete?
The new pontoon is expected to be fully completed by late summer 2026.
How much is being invested in the new pontoon?
A total of £4.2 million is being invested to repair essential infrastructure, create commercial berths and build a modern, accessible pontoon.
Who is funding the project?
The project is funded by:
• The National Lottery Heritage Fund
• UK Government
• Plymouth City Council.
How does this project support the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park?
The pontoon upgrade will:
• Improve access to the water for residents and visitors
• Support sustainable travel across the Sound
• Enhance outdoor recreation opportunities
• Celebrate Plymouth’s maritime heritage
• It forms part of the wider £22 million National Marine Park transformation programme.
What other improvements are happening at the Mount Batten Centre?
On land upgrades include:
• A redesigned and more welcoming reception area
• A new ground floor bistro with waterfront views floor bistro with waterfront views
• Improved changing facilities meeting Sport England and Changing Places standards.