The first section of a three-metre high security wall that has divided Plymouth’s Devonport area for over 50 years has been breeched, and soon the rest will go as a new 450-home community is built.

The area which was once a thriving seaport and naval community was first blitzed in WW2 and then effectively ‘stolen’ by the navy in the early 1950’s splitting the Devonport area in two with Plymouth’s own ‘Berlin Wall’ - as a security element to the South Yard Enclave of the naval docks.

The hole in the razor wire topped stone and concrete block wall was opened up yesterday on a signal from long-time Devonport resident Bill Bannister, and will allow developer, Redrow Homes to create an information centre that will open shortly.

Redrow is creating a new mixed-neighbourhood on the 18-acre (7.3 ha) site, featuring more than 450 new homes, shops, offices and community facilities. Demolition work is well underway and detailed plans for the first phase of construction are due to be decided by Plymouth City Council very soon.

The rest of the 1,086-metre long wall will be dismantled gradually as Redrow’s regeneration project takes shape. In the meanwhile it creates a safety barrier while the bulk of demolition and building work is carried out.

The site still includes the grade II listed market hall and clocktower, which Redrow will ensure is brought back into lively use. The façade of the Midland Bank building will also be preserved and these two historic buildings will form a link from Devonport’s proud past to its new, exciting future.