The Prince of Wales has unveiled plans to construct homes on Duchy of Cornwall territory in a bid to address homelessness in the South West of England.
In collaboration with the Cornish homelessness charity St Petrocs, the initiative will deliver 24 homes in Nansledan, Newquay, providing comprehensive support for local individuals experiencing homelessness, aimed at facilitating a transition to permanent housing.
Construction of "high-quality temporary accommodation designed to feel like home" is scheduled to commence in September 2024, with the first homes anticipated to be ready by autumn 2025, as per an estate statement.
The Duchy of Cornwall, valued at over £1 billion, encompasses land, property, and investments, furnishing an income for the heir to the throne.
In a previous interview, Prince William, also known as the Duke of Cornwall following his father's passing, affirmed plans for affordable housing on the Duchy's land, emphasizing a commitment to social housing.
Estate director Ben Murphy expressed enthusiasm for the innovative housing initiative, highlighting Prince William's dedication to tackling homelessness in Cornwall and beyond.
Mr. Murphy articulated, "Today, we are excited to reveal plans for this innovative housing project to help break the cycle of homelessness in the Newquay area."
He further emphasized the Duchy's reputation for integrating high-quality affordable housing into its developments and reiterated Prince William's resolve to contribute to addressing the housing crisis.
The collaboration with St Petrocs aims to provide residents with training and employment opportunities, offering a sustainable pathway out of homelessness.
Henry Meacock, Chief Executive of St Petrocs, hailed the partnership as an exemplary endeavor embedded within the local community, poised to significantly impact homelessness.
The Duchy of Cornwall affirmed its commitment to future housing projects in Nansledan, targeting an increase in affordable housing from 30% to 40%, and outlined plans for a Private Rented Scheme offering accessibility for lower-income individuals.
Additionally, the estate pledged to construct over 400 social rented homes and an additional 475 affordable dwellings in its forthcoming South East Faversham development in Kent.
This collaborative effort marks a significant step towards the shared goal of ending homelessness in Cornwall and across the UK. Photo by Philafrenzy, Wikimedia commons.