Historic homes go on sale in Plymouth

Two unique new homes have gone on sale in Plymouth giving buyers the chance to purchase a piece of history. The cashiers and teller machines are long gone, but the old Midland Bank façade that stood in the South Yard Enclave has been preserved and will now form the distinctive frontage for two one-bedroom apartments at Redrow’s Vision @ Devonport development.

Redrow Homes decided to carefully restore and conserve the landmark bank fascia at the request of the local community. It was one of the few buildings left standing in the area following the Blitz of the Second World War.

Hannah Newnes, area sales manager for Redrow Homes (South West), said: “The old Midland Bank frontage is an important part of Devonport’s heritage. Along with the market hall it provides a vital link between its proud past and exciting future.

“We have just released the ‘Bank’ homes for sale and they are sure to attract interest from people looking for a new home with a difference.”

The Midland Bank was a two-storey mid-terrace building built in 1922, which formerly stood between the Marks and Spencer and Burtons shops on Fore Street. Designed in the Classical style, the bank was clad in limestone, framed with fluted half pilars with an elaborate stone balustrade, stone architraves and a pediment with crest above the doorway.

When Redrow began the redevelopment of the site, as the Homes and Communities Agency’s chosen developer, they found parts of the bank frontage were badly damaged. It has since been dismantled stone by stone and each damaged part will be restored to its former glory before it is reconstructed in its former position. Specialist local renovation contractors will be employed by Redrow to complete the work.

The stone building behind had to be demolished because of its poor structural condition but this will be replaced by a brand new building to create two modern apartments.

The wider Vision scheme will comprise of more than 460 new one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom homes, and a range of employment, retail and mixed-use development.

The designs of the properties at Vision will accentuate and complement the proportions and broad character of surrounding architectural heritage and will help to create a diverse and interesting environment with a perfect balance between traditional and contemporary styles. It will include the grade II listed Market Hall and clock tower, which Redrow will ensure is brought back into lively use.

The one-bedroom ‘Bank’ apartments have gone on sale for £134,995. Other one, two, three and four-bedroom homes at the development are priced from £95,000 to £205,000.

For more information on Vision go online at Redrow.co.uk/developments/view/160.