2012, A year in the life of: Plymouth Pavilions

Throughout December, thisisplymouth.co.uk looks back at the past year in Plymouth. We'll delve into what happened during the last 12 months for people, organisation and even buildings in Plymouth. Today we'll be looking at the last 12 months for Plymouth Pavilions.

A short alphabetical list of some of the things on show at Plymouth Pavilions in 2012 could go: Australians, Barlow, beer, Blur, boy bands, families, Howard (but not for all), Howard (again), soldiers, school children, roller girls and weddings.

Of course, the list is far from complete. From screaming girls, trying to catch a glimpse of boy band One Direction in January to what possibly have been their mothers screaming at Gary Barlow's show in late November ,Plymouth Pavilions has been busy hosting shows with visiting musicians and performers.

Other notable events were the two day Plymouth Beer Festival, with over 100 real ales and the largest selection of cider and perry anywhere in the South West and the Westcountry Wedding Show, to name but a couple.

However, the two main stories about Plymouth Pavilions in 2012 did not have anything to do with music or events.

One of the was the closing of the Plymouth Pavilions fun pool after 21 years and almost three million visitors, as the new £46.5 million Life Centre opened in Central Park.

A total of 51 employees from both the pool and engineering support transferred across to the Life Centre, but there were worries that up to 20 people could lose their jobs at the Pavilions after the Life Centre opens in Central Park in March.

The other story concerned the future of the Plymouth Pavilions themselves. Discussions went back and forth, but in the end an offer from Argyle owner James Brent was accepted.

He has proposed a spectacular £83million facelift for the area the Pavilions cover, including student accommodation and open-market residential property alongside an extended Arena. Mr Brent said the project was likely to generate a total of more than 1,000 jobs.

The new plans and designs have some citizens up in arms while other raised their hands in applause. Work is yet to begin, so it is likely that 2013 will give Plymouth a better idea of the coming transformation of the Pavilions.

What have been your favourite moments and/or stories about Plymouth Pavilions this year? And what other people, organisations and buildings would you like to see us use for the 'A year in the life of' series? Let us know in the comment field below.

Selected 2012 stories about Plymouth Pavilions:

January

Plymouth fans go wild for the One Direction boys (Jan 6)

February

Pavilions set to shed staff as fun pool closes (Feb 1)

Pupils prepare for Pavilions party (Feb 29)

March

Plymouth Pavilions swimming pool to close on March 18 as staff move to Life Centre (Mar 1)

Australian Pink Floyd at Plymouth Pavilions (Mar 23)

April

Chris Rea in Plymouth (Apr 5)

Plymouth Pavilions plan for £83million revamp under Argyle owner Brent (Apr 17)

First pictures of new look Plymouth Pavilions as James Brent's vision is approved by council (Apr 24)

June

Plymouth council to cut cost of building tower blocks in bid to draw in developers (Jun 15)

James Brent's £83million Plymouth Pavilions deal is signed (Jun 16)

July

Rollergirls set to showcase skills (Jul 14)

Plymouth Beer Festival 2012 (Jul 16)

August

Blur at Plymouth Pavilions (Aug 9)

Soldiers ready for parade (Aug 17)

September

Aisle be there (Sep 18)

October

Plymouth Pavilions redevelopment moves closer with transfer (Oct 1)

November

Ben Howard tickets for Plymouth Pavillions sell out (Nov 9)

Fault closes Plymouth ice rink until further notice (Nov 10)

Gary Barlow at Plymouth Pavillions (Nov 15)