It survived the bombings of the Second World War and now the old Midland Bank façade in Devonport is finally being restored to all its former glory.
The façade is being restored by Redrow as part of the ongoing regeneration of the former South Yard Enclave in the town.
The bank façade retention was supported by Plymouth City Council planners, who wanted part of the old Devonport environs to be retained. The Homes and Communities Agency also backed its inclusion in the scheme and its retention was welcomed by the local community.
Kim Buckett, area construction manager for Redrow Homes (South West), said: “When we build new homes we are mindful of the history associated with our development sites and strive to do our utmost to reflect the heritage of the area while constructing homes fit for modern day lifestyles.”
The old Midland Bank façade will form the distinctive frontage for two one-bedroom apartments at Redrow’s Vision @ Devonport development. An open paved area will be incorporated within the restored frontage.
“The Midland Bank was one of the few buildings left standing in the area following the Blitz of the Second World War and while the cashiers and teller machines are long gone, it’s an important part of Devonport’s heritage,” Kim commented.
“We are delighted that such an historic piece of architecture is to become a focal point in Devonport’s exciting future.”
The Midland Bank was a two-storey mid-terrace building constructed 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 pillars 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 chosen developer of English Partnerships (now part of the Homes and Communities Agency), they found that parts of the bank frontage were badly damaged, while the building behind was in as such a poor structural condition that it had to be taken down.
Kim explained: “The bank frontage was carefully dismantled stone by stone. The pieces were logged and put into storage while construction of the new homes got underway.
“Redrow will restore each damaged part to its former glory. It will then be painstakingly pieced back together like a giant jigsaw and reconstructed in its former position.”
This work is in its early stages and is due to be completed in June 2010.
Redrow’s wider Vision scheme will comprise 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 offer a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary styles and will include the Grade II listed Market Hall and clock tower, which Redrow will ensure is brought back into lively use.
See Also: Property News (0), Devonport (0), Redrow Homes (0), South Yard Enclave (0), Homes and Communities Agency (0), Vision Scheme (0)
Date Published: 05 January 2010
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