A historic six-acre island fortress has been sold to a property developer and may become a luxury hotel and spa.
Drake’s Island is named after Sir Francis Drake who set sail from there to circumnavigate the globe in 1577.
It has been on the market for some time and has now been bought by property developer Morgan Phillips.
Morgan, who runs Guardian Industrial UK, said he originally planned to turn the 16th century fotress island into a living museum complete with heritage centre.
He now plans to restore the island, which currently features a series of underground tunnels, ‘for the people of Plymouth and visitors’.
The island, off the coast of Plymouth, Devon, has planning permission for a luxury hotel and spa – and Morgan said a water sports centre was also being considered.
He said: ‘I’m under no illusions that the people of Plymouth regard Drake’s Island as the jewel in the city’s crown and they want to enjoy it as soon as they possibly can.
‘Indeed, we want the island to be open to the public as often as possible.’
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