A 'well' deserved historic donation

Wed, Oct 24th 2007, 11:02

The bricks were donated to St. Joseph’s Catholic primary school by house builder Redrow, which is regenerating the old MoD South Yard Enclave.

The three-metre high security wall, which surrounded the enclave, has divided Devonport since the 1950s. It was a momentous day for the community when the demolition of the wall began earlier this year with the removal of a 10-metre wide strip.
The rest of the 1,086-metre long wall will be dismantled gradually as Redrow’s regeneration project takes shape.

The schoolchildren are now enjoying their new brick well as they learn about different species of plants and animals in their school grounds.

Headteacher Brendan Gill said: “Redrow gave us the bricks from the historic South Yard wall and we have used them to create a great feature in our allotment. Although it’s not a real well it does make an interesting structure. We hope it will serve as a reminder to future pupils how Devonport was separated before the Vision development began.

“The children use the allotment to grow all kind of plants and vegetables to help with their learning. This donation from Redrow was very much appreciated.”

Andrea Nippe, area sales manager for Redrow Homes (South West), said: “We are always looking for ways we can get involved with and support the local community and nowhere is this truer than at our Vision scheme, which is revitalising the heart of Devonport.

“The allotment is a great way for the children to learn about their environment and the significance of the bricks used to build the new well also provides an opportunity to learn about Devonport’s history. We hope they carry on enjoying this lovely area of the school grounds for many years to come.”

The school is adjacent to Redrow’s new development Vision @ Devonport, an award-winning regeneration project that is changing the face of the former South Yard enclave and bringing new life to Devonport.

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.

It will eventually feature around 460 one and two-bedroom apartments, two, three and four-bedroom houses, including a high proportion of affordable housing, plus a range of shops, office and community facilities. The first properties are being sold ‘off-plan’ and are expected to be ready for occupation in spring 2008.

A range of four-bedroom three-storey townhouses are currently available priced from £190,995.

For sales information log onto www.redrow.co.uk/development/view/160 or call 0845 676 0328.