Royal William Yard's landmark staircase to be removed

The eye-catching staircase that connects the Royal William Yard to Devil’s Point is to be removed and won’t be back for three months. The award-winning structure is to undergo a major renovation and a diversion will be put in place for walkers while it is gone.

The impressive 63-step stairway will be removed entirely so it can be repaired by specialists in Falmouth. It will be blast cleaned, repaired and repainted. The project is set to be completed in February 2025.

Known as the Western King steps and dubbed the “Stairway to Devon”, the flight of steps connects Royal William Yard to Devil’s Point along the South West Coast Path, climbing a 12-metre high defensive wall and punching through the one-metre thick limestone fortification to form a link for the National Trail.

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Manufactured on site and opening 11 years ago, the metal structure has started to experience the effects of being in a marine environment, which has made cosmetic repair work necessary. Urban Splash – the regeneration specialist and developer of Royal William Yard – has worked with Natural England and the South West Coast Path Association to start the restoration project this week.

While the work takes place, there will be a diversion in place so walkers can safely navigate the South West Coast Path. Devil’s Point and Royal William Yard will both remain open and will welcome visitors, but while the staircase is out of action there will be a detour along Admiralty Road. Signs will be in place to show the new route.

Tom Lowry, development manager at Urban Splash, said: “Our award-winning staircase has been open for more than a decade and has welcomed countless visitors – this project will ensure this captivating piece of architecture is fit to welcome many more for years to come.

"The staircase is an important part of Royal William Yard and the South West Coast Path, so we are keen to restore it and protect it for the future.”

Julian Gray, director, South West Coast Path Association, said: “The Stairway to Devon is dedicated to Eric Wallace, a previous chair of the charity, reflecting the importance of this iconic structure on the South West Coast Path connecting Royal William Yard to Devil’s Point.”

Royal William Yard had always been a cul-de-sac due to its peninsula sea defence location and nature of its role as a naval site. Urban Splash worked with the Friends of Devil’s Point Park, the South West Coast Path Association and Plymouth City Council on the project to create the link.

Designed by Devon-based Gillespie Yunnie Architects and funded by Natural England, the staircase opened in June 2013. Projecting from the top of the wall, the cantilever steel staircase takes walkers down to shore level in Royal William Yard.

The staircase is a solid, contemporary architectural design set against the retaining wall of the Grade I listed site. It has a concealed glass viewing platform overlooking the Tamar Estuary across to Mount Edgcumbe in Cornwall.

The steel girders of its structure are lit at night by coloured LEDs, which illuminate the structure and bathe it in changing colours, making it all the more striking. The stairs were intentionally designed to mimic the excitement of journeying along the Coast Path.

The journey is different depending on the walker’s approach. From Royal William Yard the stairs contrast with the historic wall behind. From the cliff above, the journey starts with the steel “portal” cut through the stone, offering panoramic views.

The staircase was created to open up the South West Coastal Path and create a connection between the two equally important cultural entities. It filled a gap in the coastal route and brought visitors around the Stonehouse peninsula for the first time.

The South West Coast Path Association, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, is based in the Royal William Yard. At 630 miles, the South West Coast Path is the UK’s longest National Trail, starting at Minehead, Somerset, and wrapping its way around the South West coastline, finishing at Poole, Dorset.

The staircase has won these awards:

• RICS Awards 2015, South West - Royal William Yard Staircase - Infrastructure - Highly Commended

• Abercrombie Awards 2014 - Best Smaller Development project - Royal William Yard Staircase

• RIBA Stephen Lawrence Prize 2014 - Shortlist - Royal William Yard Staircase

• RIBA South West Region Award - Royal William Yard Staircase

• RIBA Best Small Project 2014 Award - Royal William Yard Staircase

• AJ Small Projects 2014 Sustainability Award - Royal William Yard Staircase

• Civic Trust Award 2014 - Royal William Yard Staircase (Commendation)

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