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After
nearly 40 years, Devonport is finally to be reunited with its long
lost other half. The area has been divided since the expansion of
the MOD dockyard in the early 1960's.
Devonport
has since had its share of difficulties but it was
once a thriving commercial centre - with familiar high street landmarks
like Marks and Spencers and BHS.
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| A
new look for the old Market Square. Pictures
courtesy of Matrix Partnership. |
The
area was heavily bombed during the war and in the early '60's the
MOD built a wall around the site - effectively splitting the Devonport
community in two.
The
area is now to be handed back to the community, reuniting Devonport
and sparking a new multi-million pound redevelpoment.
But
who decides how the new area will be developed? Devonport Regeneration
Company (DRC) have set up a six week consultation period - for locals
to have their say.
The
first consultation day was held last year and provided a useful
insight into the views of local people.
Head
of Development at DRC, David Luke said: "It was a lively day
and about 350 people turned out.
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| Jumping
for joy - DRC have involved families in the consultation.Pictures
courtesy of Matrix Partnership. |
"We
are now at a more detailed stage and need your input again. This
needs to be right as it adds up to a major change for Devonport
over the next few years.''
The
plan considers the development from different perspectives. The
community, business, health and education as well as leisure and
other support services are all reviewed.
A group
of local people have already made a short film about the proposed
development, hoping to inspire their friends and neighbours to get
involved in the regeneration.
The
twenty acre site is not due to be returned to the community until
April 2005.
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