‘Vision' is realised as first residents move into Devonport

The first residents of a groundbreaking regeneration project in the heart of Devonport have moved into the area's first new homes. The event has been hailed as a "significant milestone" in the transformation of the former South Yard Enclave by both English Partnerships, the national regeneration agency, and their chosen developer for the scheme, Redrow Homes.

David Warburton, English Partnerships Area Director for South West England said: "The scheme has been some time in the making and will be a few years before the entire project is completed. It will transform an area once closed to the public into a thriving community with 460 high-quality homes, a new supermarket and shops, offices and managed workspace. The historic Market Hall building will be retained and reused with key areas being allocated as public open space. "

As the community, marketed as Vision@Devonport, begins to take shape the first residents to move in have spoken of their hopes for the future.

Naval officer Chris Faith, his wife Louise, and their two young daughters Grace, four, and Evie, seven months, have just moved into a brand new four-bedroom townhouse at Vision. Petty Officer Chris, 37, has lived in Devonport for 20 years and worked in the South Yard Stores before the site was acquired by English Partnerships for redevelopment. Chris remembers the segregation of the community by the Devonport Wall, which was demolished during the early stages of the development process.

"Our decision to move here was based on the wider regeneration of the area and the community Redrow and English Partnerships are creating." he said. "While I'm away with work I want to know my wife and children are in a community with neighbours around them. This will be the case here when the development is complete. It's such a major improvement for Devonport and the investment will make a huge difference to the area as a whole."

Fellow Royal Navy man James Williams, 27, has also moved in to his new home at Vision. James had also previously worked in the dockyard within the confines of the South Yard wall and believes the area is now unrecognisable. He added: "I'd seen the plans for the redevelopment of the area and was advised by family and friends that it would be a good place to buy. Not only will there be hundreds of new homes, we will have shops and community facilities on site and great leisure facilities close by."

The Vision site, once part of Devonport's town centre, was heavily damaged in the blitz during World War II. It was requisitioned by the MoD shortly after the war ended and became known as the South Yard Stores Enclave. Ward Councillor for Devonport, Ms. Nicky Wildy said "Devonport is really happening now!. Chris and Louise Faith and James Williams have seen the potential and the tremendous benefits of this whole Area. I am so pleased they have chosen to buy here and know that Vision@Devonport will go from strength to strength".

Redrow was appointed in 2006 as the preferred developer by English Partnerships to build the new community in close collaboration with Devonport Regeneration Community Partnership (DRC), the Housing Corporation, Plymouth City Council and other stakeholders. Will Blagdon, Vice Chair of DRC Partnership said: " The completion of the first homes is a landmark in the ‘Vision' to re-unite the two halves of Devonport. It is both fitting and pleasing that people living and working in Devonport are amongst the first to move into the new houses. I look forward to many more homes and businesses emerging in Vision in the coming years"

Debby Pavitt, sales director for Redrow Homes (South West), said: "Our first residents mark another major step in the regeneration of Devonport. We chose the name ‘Vision' because at the beginning of this process we envisaged creating a brand new community on a landmark site that had formally divided this neighbourhood. That vision is now being realised as it is the people living here and their community spirit that will make this development such a great place to live."

For those wanting to be part of this award winning project, properties currently available at Vision are priced from £118,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and from £180,000 for a three-storey four-bedroom townhouse.