Oct 10 2005
National regeneration agency, English Partnerships has short-listed five developers to bring forward the redevelopment of the South Yard Enclave site in Devonport.
An outline planning application was submitted to Plymouth City Council in June 2005 to transform the 7.3 ha site, previously owned the MoD, into a mixed-use neighbourhood comprising high-quality new homes, shops, offices and community facilities.
Following much interest from development companies, the agency has short-listed the following (based on their track record and ability to deliver design quality and sustainability as well as their experience of community engagement):
- Bellway Homes;
- Crest Nicholson;
- Midas Homes;
- Redrow Homes;
- Urban Splash.
The selection process has been led by international property adviser GVA Grimley and the next stage will be to invite the short-listed developers to prepare and present their in-depth submissions by the end of November. A preferred development partner will be chosen by English Partnerships, with support from Devonport Regeneration Company, the Housing Corporation and Plymouth City Council, to work with the community to develop the site.
By Christmas 2005 the development partner will have drawn up a programme of action that will bring forward the first phase of construction.
The entire scheme is likely to take between eight to ten years to build. Throughout the process the developer, in partnership with English Partnerships and the Devonport Regeneration Company, will be required to engage effectively with the local community as well as key stakeholders, including Plymouth City Council, the Government Office for the South West, South West RDA and the Housing Corporation. Steve Jackson, Senior Regeneration Manager at English Partnerships said he was delighted by the quality of the proposals put forward by the many developers who expressed an interest.
"The high number of responses and the quality of the submissions demonstrates a real confidence in the potential of this site to put the heart back into the community. We’ve been particularly impressed by the way the developers have taken on board what matters most to local people, which was revealed during an extensive period of consultation, and incorporated this into their responses. We’re making excellent progress here in Devonport thanks to the continued support of our partners and the local community."
Marc Gardiner, Chair of the Devonport Regeneration Company said, " This is another key milestone in getting the heart of our community back. We are looking forward to selecting a long term partner who will work with us to realise our dreams for the Enclave."
Last month members of the public were invited to enter the South Yard Enclave, in many cases for the first time, to celebrate English Partnerships’ purchase of the site from the MoD in July. The community in Devonport has been divided since the Second World War by the high security wall that surrounds the site and it is likely to be removed in stages as each phase of the redevelopment progresses.