Press Release

English Partnerships selects Redrow for South Yard scheme, Plymouth

1 February 2006

English Partnerships, the national regeneration agency, has selected Redrow Homes to regenerate the South Yard Enclave in Devonport, Plymouth. The 7.3 ha site, purchased last year by the agency from the MoD, will be transformed into a mixed-use neighbourhood featuring more than 450 new homes, shops, offices and community facilities.

Redrow was selected from a shortlist of five bidders and is expected to sign a full development agreement by mid-March to progress the scheme over the next eight to ten years.

A significant result of the new development will be the phased removal of the high security walls that have separated the Enclave from the Devonport community since the Second World War, enabling the whole area to be reunited. 

Steve Jackson, Senior Regeneration Manager for English Partnerships said that the development would “put the heart back into Devonport”.  He added, “We’re confident Redrow will bring forward a high quality development that will provide a massive boost to the fortunes of the area.  This result has been achieved in less than six months thanks to the excellent co-operation between government and local agencies to transform this piece of redundant public sector land and create a catalyst for wider regeneration in Devonport.”

The Enclave has outline consent for 463 new homes and, working with Redrow, English Partnerships will ensure that a range of homes are available for people who want to move to the area as well as for local people who wish to rent or buy.  Of the new homes, 75 per cent will be market sale, including 15 per cent reserved for first time buyers, creating more opportunities for home ownership in an area that currently lacks choice.   There will also be homes for affordable rent and shared ownership.    An existing historic market hall building will be retained as part of the plans that also include a new public square.

Colin Smethurst, Managing Director of Redrow Homes (West Country), added, “This is the group’s first major scheme with English Partnerships and our first venture in Plymouth, both very important to Redrow.  This will be a flagship scheme for us.  Even more pleasing is the chance to be involved in the wide-scale regeneration of this area; providing an extensive range of new homes, including affordable properties, creating new jobs and generally improving the environment. 

“We are looking forward to the very positive impact this scheme will have on the local community, while transforming the old heart of Devonport.  We see the forthcoming months as very important, ensuring we meet and consult with the local community keeping it advised of our plans and listening carefully to comments and ideas.  We are already planning an exhibition to assist this process.”

English Partnerships selected Redrow Homes with assistance from the Devonport Regeneration Company, the Housing Corporation and Plymouth City Council.  The developer will now work closely with English Partnerships and the Devonport Regeneration Company (DRC) to engage with the local community as well as other key stakeholders, including Plymouth City Council, the Government Office of the South West and South West RDA.  International property adviser GVA Grimley led the selection process on behalf of English Partnerships.

A detailed planning application is likely to be submitted in the autumn following the four to five month consultation period.  Demolition work could begin later this year followed by building work in early 2007, subject to planning consent.

Marc Gardiner, Chair of DRC said, “We’re delighted that Redrow has been chosen and we look forward to working in partnership with them.  At last the people of Devonport will be able to see a real change happening to their neighbourhood – a change for the good and for the future.”

Devonport has been recognised by government as an area suffering from high levels of deprivation and is included within its New Deal for Communities (NDC) programme.  The regeneration of the Stores Enclave will make a significant contribution to the work of the Devonport Regeneration Company in turning around the fortunes of the area.

English Partnerships has a regeneration programme in Plymouth that includes investment at nearby Millbay Docks.  This project, with partners the South West RDA and the English Cities Fund, will create an exciting new mixed-use neighbourhood between the waterfront at Millbay Docks and the fringe of Plymouth City centre.

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