The wall comes tumbling down

Tue, Jan 16th 2007, 11:00

Local school children were invited to help start the process of dismantling the three-metre high security wall that has divided Devonport since the 1950s.

Each of three local primary schools was asked to nominate a pupil to join long-time Devonport resident Bill Bannister to start demolishing part of the wall around the old MoD South Yard Enclave, to create an access for a brand new information centre that will open shortly.

Local people cheered as Bill and the three children – Dalton Jones, Katie Chew and Morgan Johnson - helped get the demolition underway.

Bill, who lived within the boundaries of the site until his family home was destroyed by a World War II bomb, said later: “I have waited for this wall to come down for a long time and I feel very emotional. It will be a joy to walk up the street and see all of this clear and open.”

Colin Smethurst, managing director of Redrow Homes (West Country), who are redeveloping the site in association with national regeneration agency English Partnerships, says: “Although most of the wall has to stay in place for safety whilst the bulk of demolition and building work is carried out, the removal of a 10-metre wide strip will signal a major milestone in this regeneration project.

“Involving local children as well as one of the community’s longest serving members is a good way of bringing together the past, present and future of Devonport. We are delighted that Bill has agreed to come back, having removed a symbolic chunk of the wall in 2005 during a celebration event for the local community organised by DRC Partnership and funded by English Partnerships. We decided to invite the children to join him as, like this scheme, they will help to shape the Devonport of tomorrow.”

Redrow is creating a new mixed-neighbourhood on the 18-acre (7.3 ha) site, featuring more than 450 new homes, shops, offices and community facilities. Demolition work is well underway and detailed plans for the first phase of construction are due to be decided by Plymouth City Council very soon.

Following demolition of this first stretch, the rest of the 1,086-metre long wall will be dismantled gradually as Redrow’s regeneration project takes shape.

The area was once the thriving heart of Devonport until, after being heavily damaged in the Blitz, it was taken over by the navy in the early 1950s and walled in. The site 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 also be preserved and these two historic buildings will form a link from Devonport’s proud past to its new, exciting future.

Representatives of English Partnerships, DRC Partnership, the church, schools and other local stakeholders and groups were invited to attend the event. 

David Warburton, English Partnerships' area director comments: “Today's landmark event will bring residents of Devonport together to celebrate the next stage in the transformation of the South Yard Enclave. Throughout our involvement in this scheme, we've had many discussions in conjunction with DRC Partnership with local people about what kind of neighbourhood they want us to create, and their support has been invaluable. It's the best possible start to the New Year and I'm so pleased that Bill is able to join us once again to help demolish the wall.”
 
Peter McNamara, DRC Partnership’s executive director said: “Reunification of the two halves of Devonport through knocking down the wall and redeveloping the South yard is fundamental to the community. This symbolic demolition of the wall marks the beginning of turning DRC Partnership’s plans in to action with the common goal of transforming Devonport.”

Redrow has named its Devonport scheme ‘Vision’ and the new information centre, due to open next month, will be a place where people can find out more about the houses to be built, community facilities and employment opportunities offered by the development. People can already register their interest in Vision, either by texting ‘Vision’ to 60030 on their mobile phones, calling 0845 676 0328 or logging on to the new website at www.vision.redrow.co.uk.