The socio-drama of Drake’s Island is once again back in the news and on the property market for over £2 million.
The Sound’s island fortress has been advertised by London-based estate agent Carter Jonas with the ‘potential’ to produce tourist opportunities through various streams, including permission for a major hotel conversion on the historic island.
Morgan Phillips’ company, Plymouth Sound Properties Limited, instructed Kirker & Co., receivers, to sell the landmark with offers in excess of £2 million.
On 16th February 2023, Morgan Phillips spoke exclusively to Westward Shipping News about his plans for the island that never really materialised. Backlink to the story: https://westwardshippingnews.com/new-ambitions-for-drakes-island/
Drake’s Island was named about 1580 after the famous Devon seafarer returned from his journey circumnavigating the world in 1577 for 3 years – and became the governor of the island by Queen Elizabeth I.
Westward shipping News followers watching our live webcams over the last 3 years have constantly complained about the dilapidated buildings, the island’s pier, and the general rundown of the island.
Drake’s Island is home to rich marine environment, and the penguin island to my fictional Plymouth Rockhoppas book & cartoon series first featured in 2011:
Back link to three blog episodes based on the island written, performed by Kevin Kelway.
Over the centuries the island has been fortified to protect Plymouth to withstand invasion threats from Spain, France, and Germany in World War 2.
Morgan Phillips’ company bought the island in 2019.
The island was put on the market again in July 2024 but failed to sell.
In December 2024, Plymouth Sound Properties went into receivership but exited again just a month later when two loans were satisfied. In January 2025 it was reported.
In May this year, tours of the 6.4-acre island were put on hold pending safety inspections.
- Carter Jonas are instructed by the fixed charge receiver to seek offers in excess of £2 million for the freehold interest in Drake’s Island.
- Click on the link: https://www.carterjonas.co.uk/development/for-sale/plymouth/20020105
