Plymouth, October 1, 2025
News Summary
Plymouth’s The Box has generated significant health and economic benefits since its opening in 2020, delivering over £100 million in health improvements. An independent assessment highlighted its contributions, including £52 million in general health benefits for adults aged 30-49 and £46 million in reduced incidences of depression and dementia for visitors over 50. With a total visitor count exceeding one million, The Box has also created a £244 million economic footprint, benefiting both the local community and suppliers in the UK.
Plymouth’s museum, art gallery, and archive, The Box, has delivered over £100 million in health benefits since its opening in 2020. An independent impact assessment conducted by Counterculture LLP has highlighted these benefits along with The Box’s significant contributions to the local economy.
Engagement in cultural activities, such as those provided by The Box, has been shown to improve both physical and mental health in adults. The financial breakdown of these health benefits includes £52 million in general health improvements for adults aged 30-49 and £46 million in reduced incidences of depression and dementia for visitors over the age of 50.
Since its opening, The Box has welcomed over one million visitors and approximately 250,000 visits have been made by individuals under the age of 25. Its impact extends beyond health, as it has generated a £244 million economic footprint and contributed £28 million to the Plymouth economy. Additionally, 72% of The Box’s spending goes to suppliers within South West England, and 100% goes to UK suppliers.
Volunteering has also played a significant role at The Box, with over 100,000 hours of volunteering logged since 2020, carrying an estimated economic value of £1.1 million. Local community support has been reflected in donations such as £2,000 from Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon, aimed at boosting local culture through The Box’s Community Champions scheme.
The Box provides free access for families to visit daily, positioning itself to compete with renowned cultural landmarks in London and Manchester. The establishment of The Box Foundation ensures that funds are raised to support ongoing cultural and educational activities while maintaining free access for visitors.
Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, has noted that The Box stands as proof of Plymouth’s ambition to not accept second-best, and Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, has pointed to its substantial impact, highlighting “nearly a quarter of a billion pounds in economic impact” alongside the health benefits.
The Box continues to be a central component of the city’s cultural identity since 2020, showcasing art, history, and educational opportunities that enrich the community while significantly impacting health and the local economy.
FAQs
What health benefits has The Box provided since its opening?
The Box has delivered over £100 million in health benefits, including £52 million in general health improvements for adults aged 30-49 and £46 million in reduced incidences of depression and dementia for visitors over 50.
How many visitors has The Box received since it opened?
The Box has welcomed over one million visitors since its opening in 2020, including approximately 250,000 visits from individuals under the age of 25.
What is the economic impact of The Box?
The Box has generated a £244 million economic footprint and contributed £28 million to the Plymouth economy.
How does The Box support local culture?
The Box supports local culture by providing free access for families and by raising funds through The Box Foundation to support cultural and educational activities.
What percentage of The Box’s spending goes to local suppliers?
72% of The Box’s spending goes to suppliers within South West England, while 100% goes to suppliers within the UK.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Benefits Delivered | Over £100 million |
| General Health Improvements | £52 million for adults aged 30-49 |
| Reduced Incidences of Depression and Dementia | £46 million for visitors over 50 |
| Total Visitors | Over one million |
| Economic Impact | £244 million |
| Contribution to Plymouth Economy | £28 million |
| Volunteering Hours | Over 100,000 hours |
| Total Number of Volunteers | Estimated economic value of £1.1 million |
| Spending to Local Suppliers | 72% in South West England |
| Daily Free Access for Families | Yes |
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Additional Resources
- Blooloop: The Box Plymouth’s Health Benefits
- Wikipedia: The Box, Plymouth
- Forbes: The Box Plymouth Presents Osman Yousefzada
- Google Search: The Box Plymouth
- We Are South Devon: Plymouth Museum Unboxes Developer Donation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Museum
- Devon Live: Inspired Fun Futures 2025 Celebrates
- Google News: Plymouth Museum
- Mummy Travels: Things to Do in Plymouth with Kids
- Google Scholar: The Box, Plymouth
- Arts & Collections: The Box Plymouth Reopens
- Google Search: Plymouth Cultural Landmarks
- We Heart: Camille Walala at The Box Plymouth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Plymouth
- The Guardian: Top 10 Locals Guide to Plymouth
- Google News: Plymouth Mayflower 400
Author: STAFF HERE PLYMOUTH WRITER
The PLYMOUTH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPlymouth.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Plymouth, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Plymouth Ice Festival, Art in the Park, and the Plymouth Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Plymouth, plus leading businesses in automotive and retail that power the local economy such as Roush Industries and Downtown Plymouth businesses. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HERENovi.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
