See a new vision

Wed, Mar 21st 2007, 11:00

For the first time in over 50 years the people of Devonport can step inside the three-metre high wall that has divided their community, to see how the area will be transformed with new homes, offices and shops.

The launch of Redrow’s new ‘Insight into Vision’ information centre was heralded with a day of celebration for all of the community, with a local jazz band, children’s entertainers and refreshments all adding to the fun.
 
Souvenir pieces of the wall that has surrounded the former MoD South Yard Enclave for decades were available to take away as a lasting reminder.

Colin Smethurst, managing director for Redrow Homes (West Country), says: “The opening of our information centre is an exciting development in Devonport. This is the first opportunity for local people to actually come inside and see the changes that will be happening in their town.”

As well as enjoying the fun, pupils from Marlborough and St. Joseph’s RC primary schools took part in an art competition to paint their picture of Devonport’s future and many of the designs will feature in hoardings to be erected around Redrow’s construction site.

       
Insight into Vision also includes an exhibition of Devonport’s past, present and future, with contributions from local people.  Visitors can find out more about Redrow’s regeneration plans, as well as registering their interest in the wide range of new homes that will be built.

The site originally formed part of Devonport town centre, which was heavily damaged in the Blitz. It was subsequently incorporated into the dockyard perimeter by the MoD during the 1950s and enclosed by a three-metre high stone wall, before being declared surplus to requirements and acquired by national regeneration agency, English Partnerships.

Chosen last year as the preferred developer, Redrow has already begun the process of integrating the site back into the Devonport community and transforming it into a mixed-use neighbourhood of more than 450 new homes, shops, offices and community facilities. The development will include a substantial number of affordable homes on a shared equity or rented basis, as well as homes targeted at first time buyers. Detailed planning consent has recently been granted for the first zone by Plymouth City Council so that building work can begin.

The first homes are expected to go on sale during April.

Insight into Vision is open weekdays between 10am and 4pm.  People can already register their interest in Vision by calling 0845 676 0328 or logging on to the website at www.vision.redrow.co.uk