Vision in sight

Fri, Oct 13th 2006, 11:00

Work has begun on creating ‘Vision’, an exciting new mixed-use neighbourhood on the site of the former MoD South Yard Enclave at Devonport.

Local people have worked hard alongside partner organisations since they heard the site was to become available after 60 years’ use by the MoD, and now Redrow is close to turning the plans into reality.

Demolition of redundant buildings is underway and detailed plans for the first phase of the new development have been submitted to Plymouth City Council under a reserved matters application.

Taking forward the previously approved Masterplan and, in collaboration with national regeneration agency English Partnerships, developer Redrow has lodged plans for 65 new homes and 535 sq. metres of mixed-use development suitable for retail, employment and community use.

The first area to be developed lies on the northern edge of the site, facing Granby Way and Granby Green. The 65 proposed properties comprise 37 three and four-bedroom terraced houses and 28 one and two-bedroom flats; among them are 10 affordable houses designated for rent or shared ownership.

They signal the start of ‘Vision’, an 18-acre (7.3 ha) mixed-use neighbourhood that will eventually feature more than 450 new homes, shops, offices and community facilities on the site, which has been fragmented since the MoD incorporated the enclave into the dockyard perimeter following the Second World War.

 

 The area originally formed part of Devonport town centre, which was heavily damaged in the Blitz. It still includes the grade II listed Market Hall and clocktower, which Redrow will ensure is brought back into lively use. The façade of the Midland Bank building will be preserved and again be present in one of the main streets. These two historic buildings will form a link from Devonport’s proud past to its new, exciting future.

The bank frontage, dating from 1922, has been incorporated into the design for Redrow’s first phase, Zone B, and is intended to provide the façade for two of the apartments. The new-build properties in this phase will be of a contemporary design with brick and render finishes.

Colin Smethurst, managing director of Redrow Homes (West Country), said: "After a great deal of discussion with the City Council, English Partnerships, Devonport Regeneration Community Partnership and other interested parties, we are delighted to be taking this important next step towards regenerating Devonport.

"We have appointed a principal demolition contractor, who is already on site clearing the majority of the redundant buildings, and, subject to securing the necessary consent, are looking forward to progressing this first phase.

"Although the majority of the perimeter wall will have to stay in place for health and safety reasons during demolition, remediation and early stages of construction, an opening will be created to provide access to a new information centre due to open later this year."

Redrow’s development will eventually include more than a hundred homes for affordable rent or shared ownership via local housing associations and the mixed-use element of the scheme will create space for offices, shops and community uses, where there will be opportunities for local people to work, buy everyday goods and meet. In addition, arrangements are being made to enable local people to take advantage of training and employment opportunities in the construction of the new neighbourhood; and the Devonport Regeneration Community Partnership is assisting local traders to benefit from the creation of the new neighbourhood shopping centre.

 

 Steve Jackson, senior regeneration manager at English Partnerships, said: "We have been making excellent progress on the creation of a high-quality neighbourhood in Devonport since we purchased the South Yard Enclave site last summer. We are delighted to be working with Redrow and that they are translating the local vision into reality.

"The provision of new and affordable properties will help to increase the home ownership opportunities for local people and this, together with the jobs and services in the overall scheme for ‘Vision’, will give a tremendous boost to the quality of life for people who live, work and relax in Devonport."

Redrow’s plans will be available for public inspection via the usual Council channels and the house builder is also planning to hold a public exhibition in Devonport during the local authority’s consultation period.

Subject to planning consent, Redrow hopes to have the first homes on sale by spring 2007. An SMS Textback service is already in operation for people to register their interest in the scheme, simply by texting the word Vision to 60030 on their mobile phones, while a new website is being developed at: www.vision.redrow.co.uk.