SPECULATION is rife regarding the controversial wall around the old MoD South Yard Enclave in Devonport and when it might be removed.

The news from developers Redrow is that a small section of the wall will be dismantled early next year to facilitate access to a new information centre.

However, most of the wall and the barbed wire atop must remain for the time-being for health and safety reasons and will come down gradually as Redrow’s new development, ‘Vision’, takes shape.

Anne Tillett, community liaison officer for the Vision scheme, explained: “The wall around the Vision site will be coming down bit by bit as our scheme progresses.  The majority of it has to remain standing for now to protect the people of Devonport from the demolition that’s currently underway and the subsequent building work that will be undertaken as we start to regenerate the site.”

Redrow’s very own health and safety mascot, Buster the Bear, was in Devonport recently to highlight the need for the wall around the site. He emphasised the importance of safety to children from Marlborough Primary School.

Anne added: “It’s great that Buster could join us to help explain to the children the importance of safety around building sites, especially as they can sometimes get bored during school holidays.  We understand that people in Devonport are excited about the prospect of the wall coming down at last and the site once again becoming part of the local community. However, it is vital that this is done in a safe and secure manner and making the children aware of the potential dangers is an important part of that process.”

Developed in association with national regeneration agency English Partnerships, Vision will be an 18-acre (7.3 ha) mixed-use neighbourhood featuring more than 450 new homes, shops, offices and community facilities. The area 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 and enclosed by a three-metre high stone wall. 

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 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.

Colin Smethurst, managing director of Redrow Homes (West Country), says: “We are just as keen as the local community to see the wall finally removed and this part of Devonport once again re-open to all. We have a duty to ensure that this is done with absolutely no risk to the general public.

“The New Year will see lots of things happening at Vision, when we hope to have detailed planning consent for our first phase of redevelopment. We will also be opening our information centre in February, where people will be able to find out more about the houses to be built, community facilities and employment opportunities.”   

Steve Jackson, English Partnerships’ Senior Regeneration Manager says: “Local people will be very excited to see the wall come down and I’m sure everyone understands the need for us to carefully plan each stage of its removal. Ensuring the safety of Devonport’s residents is our top priority while demolition work is underway.  The high-quality development planned for the Vision site is integral to the wider regeneration of Plymouth that is continuing apace and we’re proud to be playing a major part in the city’s revival.”

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. 

Editor’s footnote:

Redrow Homes has been awarded Major Housebuilder of the Year 2006 in the annual Building Awards, for its success in helping first time buyers onto the property ladder with its Debut range, whilst still maintaining a healthy profit margin.  Additionally Redrow has been voted Housebuilder of the Year by national consumer property magazine Your New Home, as well as winning the Best Development for First Time Buyers category for its innovative Debut range and Best New Build Village for Buckshaw Village in Chorley, Lancs.

English Partnerships is the government’s national regeneration agency delivering high quality, sustainable growth in England.  Information on projects and programmes can be found at www.englishpartnerships.co.uk

21 December 2006