Ex-resident starts demolition of Devonport’s Bull Ring

A former resident of the Bull Ring in Devonport started the demolition of the block of flats at an event yesterday (Tuesday 10th June), to make way for a new regeneration scheme which will provide new homes for the Devonport community.

Mr Philip Coombe, 78, lived in the former Bull Ring development from the time it opened in 1962 until he was decanted in June 2006 prior to this demolition. He lived in no.14 (two bed) with his family, until he was alone and he moved into no.12 (one bed).

Speaking at the event yesterday he said: "You're bound to feel a bit emotional after all that time but, come the end, I was glad to get out. It was a good community in the beginning, but it started to go down.

"I'm hoping the new development will bring back some of the community spirit", he added.

The demolition marks the start of work on the first phase of a new regeneration development being built by Midas Homes in partnership with Westco Properties (a subsidiary of Devon and Cornwall Housing Association), which will regenerate the Ker Street area of Devonport.

Designed by Lacey Hickie Caley architects, the first phase of the development will provide 62 new homes, including one and two bedroom apartments, plus two, three and four bedroom homes. 40% of the whole development will be affordable housing.

Nick Hodgson, senior development manager for Midas Homes said: "The event was a real success and was well-attended by a number of ex-residents. The new plans will breathe new life into Ker Street and its neighbouring area and will provide quality new homes for the Devonport community."

Local representatives were invited to the event, where speeches were made by Nick Hodgson from Midas Homes, Teresa Butchers from Devon and Cornwall Housing Association, Councillor Nicky Wildy and Marc Gardiner, Chair of Devonport Regeneration Community Partnership and ex-resident of the Bull Ring. The plans for the development were available to view after the demolition at Odd Fellows Hall.

The team of Midas Homes, Devon and Cornwall Housing Association and Lacey Hickie Caley architects have already created an award winning development, Gun Wharf in Devonport, a couple of years ago, which won a number of national awards including a prestigious gold CABE Building for Life Standard in 2006 and Best Housing-Led Regeneration Project in the 2006 Regeneration Awards.

Teresa Butchers, chief executive of Devon and Cornwall Housing Association said: "We are delighted that this next phase of the work is starting in Devonport. The partnership between Plymouth City Council, Midas Homes and DCHA has worked incredibly well, but none of it would have happened without the enormous input from the Devonport Regeneration Community Partnership and the many local residents giving up their time for the benefit of the community. Special thanks to them for their hard work and commitment."

The next phase goes into planning stage this autumn.