‘Home’ win for Plymouth Albion

Fri, Jun 30th 2006, 11:00

Plymouth Albion has teamed up with award winning house builder Redrow to bring forward development of its East Stand.

Redrow – the developer recently chosen by national regeneration agency English Partnerships to carry out long awaited regeneration of the South Yard Enclave in Devonport – is contributing a major sum to the rugby club over a period of five years.

Redrow’s contribution together with existing pledges means the club is now two-thirds of the way to its total for the new East Stand, which will include a covered standing area, with plans for a full range of bars and other supporter facilities within.

The club – which finished fifth in the National Division One League – is aiming to develop The Brickfields so that it has a stadium that meets Premiership criteria.

Louise Kessell, sales & marketing manager for Plymouth Albion RFC, said: “We welcome Redrow Homes in becoming one of our sponsors here at Brickfields. Monies raised for the East Stand from Redrow and our many supporters have allowed us to gather some 70% of the costs. The funding for this stand has come from the private sector and has not yet received any grants or subsidies.

“Not only has Redrow come on-board to assist with our development but we intend to work extremely closely together with our Healthy Eating Campaign and local community work, especially concentrating on the area of Devonport where we are situated.”

The new Redrow Homes East Stand, when completed, will complement the West Stand that has been provided by the Devonport Regeneration Community Partnership, Plymouth City Council and Sport England.

Sandra Dixon, sales manager for Exeter-based Redrow Homes (West Country) commented: “Creating communities is hugely important to Redrow – we are not just a housebuilder. All over the country we are involved in initiatives which support the arts, sport, education and other community projects. We’re delighted with this opportunity to help improve facilities at Plymouth Albion, which plays an important part in local community life.”

In Devonport, Redrow is working with English Partnerships and the local community to transform the 18-acre former South Yard Enclave into a mixed-use neighbourhood, featuring more than 450 new homes, shops, offices and community facilities. Work will begin later this year and Redrow hopes to have the first new homes on sale in spring 2007.

Plymouth Albion is busy raising the remaining 30% of funds required to complete the East Stand and has launched a number of fund raising initiatives. The club is also hoping that the Friends of Plymouth Albion may be able to help and all monies donated will be ‘ring-fenced’ and spent only on the East Stand.

For further information about Plymouth Albion’s fund raising initiatives and plans for the new East Stand, visit www.plymouthalbion.com.

For information about Redrow and its new homes – and to register your interest in the forthcoming Devonport project – call 01392 354595.