A HIGH-RANKING naval officer has accused defence chiefs of 'scuppering' plans for a visitor centre in Devonport Naval Base.

Rear-Admiral Michael Wood, chairman of the Plymouth Naval Base Visitor Centre Company, blamed the Ministry of Defence for further delaying the project, proposed more than a decade ago.

He told The Herald a commercially viable centre in South Yard celebrating Plymouth's maritime past, present and future had looked viable, until the MoD announced it had not budgeted for such a project, and urged the city to explore 'synergies' for a jointly-funded attraction.

"These plans were scuppered by the MoD's ongoing financial crisis and its withdrawal of support to provide some of the key components," he said, adding that all previous efforts had failed due to "the inability of the city and the MoD to see this as a joint endeavour which brought considerable benefit to both parties".

However, he and the trust members remained committed to the project and were now working with the city council to explore ways of delivering an attraction of national significance symbolising the city's maritime heritage Britain's dependence on the sea and sea power.

"It's early days but the eventual solution is likely to incorporate many aspects, and thus sites, of Plymouth's maritime heritage," he said, adding that the project would bring economic benefits, boost regeneration plans and have a strong educational component.

Rear Adml Wood also called for a meeting of key stakeholders to agree a way forward for the project and ensure it could weather the political and financial uncertainties of the next few years.

An MoD spokesman said a visitor centre was not the best use of its limited funds and the company should explore options for developing the project in collaboration with city authorities.

David James, operations manager for the South West Regional Development Agency, said: "A visitor centre might be a future part of development on a former MoD site.

"However, pressure on the RDA's budget means it is not in a position to allocate any new and additional funding for specific projects such as a visitor centre."

No-one from Plymouth City Council was available for comment.

Comment – Page 10