Vision makes the grade

Redrow's groundbreaking regeneration project in the heart of Devonport has been shortlisted for two prestigious national awards.

The ‘Vision' development has reached the final stages of the judging process for the Housebuilding Innovation Awards in two categories; one which looks for an excellent regeneration partnership between a developer and the public sector and another in search of a developer that has best involved the local community in a project.

Redrow's high standards in both of these fields have been recognised with places on the shortlists. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in October.

The Vision site was once part of the town centre, which was heavily damaged by bombing during the Second World War and was requisitioned by the MoD shortly after the end of the war. It was at this time it became known as the South Yard Stores Enclave.

Redrow was chosen as preferred developer by national regeneration agency English Partnerships to build a development of 460 new homes together with a mixed use neighbourhood of shops and community facilities.

Since then, the award-winning housebuilder has worked closely with English Partnerships, DRC Partnership (Devonport Regeneration Community Partnership), the Housing Corporation, Plymouth City Council and other stakeholders.

Redrow has also worked hard to engage with the local community on a regular basis, including events to mark the demolition of the three-metre high security wall that once surrounded the site; the opening of the information centre; an exhibition of Devonport past, present and future; a series of special information day;s and involvement of local school children with competitions, visits and activities. It has also supported local events such as the Friends of Devonport Park summer event for the last two years.

Clare Taylor, Redrow's community liaison officer for Vision, said: "We are delighted to have been shortlisted in both categories and feel it is testament to the strong relationship we have both with English Partnerships and our other public sector partners and also the local community.

"We have strived to work closely with all parties involved to ensure we reach our joint goal of rejuvenating Devonport and creating a modern, practical and exciting place to live. It is wonderful that this news comes just as our first residents are settling into their new homes."

The Housebuilding Innovation Awards, run by Housebuilder magazine and the Home Builders Federation (HBF), aim to recognise companies which are demonstrating a commitment to innovation in the housebuilding industry. They are supported by Government, which views them as an aid to raising standards.

In 2007, Vision was instrumental in helping the overall regeneration of Devonport win the ‘Sustainable Communities Award' at the national RTPI Planning awards, while the scheme itself was commended in the ‘Housing project of the year' category of the Mail on Sunday British Homes Awards.

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 beautiful three-storey four-bedroom townhouse.

For sales information log onto Redrow.co.uk.