St Petrocs receives keys to new homes in Nansledan

The first properties in a new housing development for people who have experienced homelessness have been been completed in Nansledan.

Cornish charity St Petrocs has received the keys to the first phase of the scheme from the Duchy of Cornwall.

The development can accommodate 16 people in two four-bedroom homes and eight one-bedroom apartments.

It also includes counselling space, allowing St Petrocs to provide support to residents where they live.

The homes were built by CG Fry & Son on land owned by the Duchy of Cornwall and funded by The Duke of Cornwall’s Charitable Foundation.

They will be managed by St Petrocs, which will help residents access personalised support, training and employment opportunities as they work towards permanent accommodation.

Chief Executive Henry Meacock said the handover marked the end of the construction phase and the beginning of the impact the development would have.

“These homes are built to stand the test of time and will make a meaningful difference to people’s lives for decades to come,” he said.

The project is connected to the Royal Foundation’s Homewards programme, a five-year initiative founded by Prince William which aims to demonstrate that homelessness can be made rare, brief and unrepeated.

The all-electric homes include solar panels, low-carbon cement and super-insulated wall panels filled with hemp.

They have also been furnished through the Homewards Furniture Project, with retailers and charities providing kitchens, white goods, sofas and other essential items.

The Duchy of Cornwall said the development was its first housing project directly aimed at addressing homelessness.

The first residents are expected to move into the homes shortly.