One of the most deprived communities in Devon is being given back a big chunk of its historic town centre.
The release of 18 acres of redundant land and old buildings could be a significant economic boost for the Devonport area of Plymouth.
English Partnerships has bought the Stores Enclave site from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for £5m.
About 500 new homes are planned, together with a healthcare centre, supermarket, shops and offices.
"It's great news for the residents of Devonport who've waited a long time to see it returned to the heart of the community where it belongs"
English Partnership, the government regeneration agency, says 25% of the 500 high-quality homes will be affordable to enable local people to benefit from either shared ownership or socially rented homes.
The wall surrounding the enclave will be demolished in stages as regeneration of the area progressed.
The wall was built as the Royal Navy dockyard expanded in the early 1960s.
However, Devonport's historic market hall, sandwiched between empty naval stores, will be retained and a new public square created.
Dave Brown, from the Devonport Regeneration Company, said to have the area given back to the community after 50 years was amazing.
He said: "A lot of the older residents can still remember when they used to come here and use the area as a market and buy the first strawberries and vegetables of the season.
"It's a focal point for them, so it's very significant."
David Warburton, an area director for English Partnerships, said the local community in Devonport deserved credit for their enthusiasm and commitment to the scheme.
He said: "We're absolutely delighted to be the new owners of the Stores Enclave site.
"It's great news for the residents of Devonport who've waited a long time to see it returned to the heart of the community where it belongs."
The Devonport Regeneration Company has also been involved in the plans for the Stores Enclave site and it says it hopes to rebuild the area to create a brighter, better future for Devonport and the city of Plymouth.
^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©