South West Regional Development Agency

Since becoming owners of the Royal William Yard in 1999, the South West RDA has spent more than £20 million on renovating the exterior of the listed buildings. This investment has paved the way for the ongoing redevelopment of the interior of the buildings by award-winning developer Urban Splash.  
 
The RDA has also spent about £5 million on improvements to the Yard's roads, pavements and quaysides, much of which has been resurfaced in granite. Many original features, such as cranes and bollards have been restored and new street lighting and waterfront balustrades have also been installed.  
 
130 residential apartments have been created in the Clarence and Brewhouse buildings. The ground floor of the Brewhouse also houses a café/bar and an arts/exhibition centre for residents, locals and visitors to enjoy.  
 
A £25m conversion scheme has been commenced on the largest building in the Yard, Mills & Bakery, which will create 79 residential apartments and 4,200 sq ft of commercial space. Completion of this scheme is expected in September 2008. 
 
Opening the gates to visitors means that after 180 years closed off to the public behind its high walls, the Royal William Yard has now become part of the fabric of life for the community in Stonehouse, Plymouth and South West England.