Press Release

Putting Plans into Action: English Partnerships Acquires Stores Enclave Site for Major Regeneration Project in Plymouth

21 July 2005

English Partnerships, the national regeneration agency, has completed the acquisition of the Stores Enclave site in Devonport, Plymouth.  The news follows last month’s submission of a planning application for the 7.3ha site and means the agency can forge ahead with its proposals for a sustainable community aimed at improving the quality of life for people who live and work in Devonport. 

The site has been purchased from its previous owner, the Ministry of Defence, for £5m and will now be regenerated into a mixed-use neighbourhood to include the provision of over 500 high-quality homes, a healthcare centre, small supermarket, new shops, offices and managed workspace.  The historic Market Hall building will be retained and key areas have been allocated as public open space. 

Devonport has been identified as an area with a shortage of good housing, particularly for single people and those with larger families.  English Partnerships is working closely with the Devonport Regeneration Company to ensure the appropriate density and range of homes for sale and rent on the Stores Enclave site.  25% of the overall residential development will be affordable, enabling local people to benefit from a choice of socially rented and shared ownership homes. 

English Partnerships has also been working with the Devonport Regeneration Company and the local community on the Devonport Development Framework for the entire neighbourhood.  People will have the opportunity to comment on plans for the site and consider how its redevelopment integrates with Plymouth City Council’s proposals for the Devonport area.

David Warburton, English Partnerships’ Area Director – Southern England, West, explains what the site purchase means for the regeneration of Devonport.  “We’re absolutely delighted to be the new owners of the Stores Enclave site.  This is great news for the residents of Devonport who’ve waited a long time to see the Stores Enclave returned to the heart of the community where it belongs.  We’re now in a position to create an inspirational, first-rate development that helps to fulfil the true potential of this important area and will benefit local people for generations to come.

”Our regeneration proposals have been endorsed by a number of influential partners including the Devonport Regeneration Company and Plymouth City Council, but it is the local community who deserve the most credit for their enthusiasm and commitment to the scheme.  We will keep them informed throughout the regeneration process and look forward to delivering this exciting development with their support.” 

Marc Gardiner, Chair of the Devonport Regeneration Company, said, “The Stores Enclave site is core to Devonport and accordingly the community has been consulted thoroughly to shape its development – local interest is high, borne out in the attendance of, and feedback from, hundreds of local people at consultation open days.  Exciting plans are being drawn-up for the area, including the restoration of significant landmarks such as the Market Building.  

“We can begin to reclaim the historic heart of our community, rebuilding the area to create a brighter, better future for the whole of Devonport and for the city of Plymouth.”

English Partnerships has instructed consultants GVA Grimley to assist with the selection of a development partner to bring forward the site.  There will be a celebration to mark the return of the Enclave to Devonport, which will tie in with the official Community Summer event on the 14th August 2005.

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