Homewards Activator, Duchy of Cornwall to deliver Innovative Housing Project to tackle homelessness

Homewards Activator, The Duchy of Cornwall, has today announced the estate’s first Innovative Housing Project, that will provide 24 homes with wrap around support for local people experiencing homelessness in Nansledan, Cornwall. The project will showcase the power of collaboration from across the public, private and voluntary sectors, and the role we can all play in ending homelessness in our communities.

The Duchy of Cornwall is harnessing the guidance and network of Homewards in the design of this project, and the project will be evaluated, with learnings shared with the six Homewards locations.

The first phase of the project will focus on creating high quality temporary accommodation that feels like home with a clear pathway to a permanent home as accommodation becomes available. It will be delivered in collaboration with leading Cornish homelessness charity, St Petrocs, who will help residents access wrap around support, build community connections through training and employment and find permanent accommodation. They’ll also work with local organisations such as the neighbouring community hub, Newquay Orchard.

Land for the homes will be provided by the Duchy of Cornwall which will also use its design and development management expertise to guide the delivery of the project as a whole. The development is due to begin in September 2024 and the first homes are due to complete in autumn 2025. The Duchy of Cornwall is harnessing the guidance and network of Homewards in the design of this project.

Homes are a focus of the Homewards programme, with each of the six Homewards locations delivering their own innovative housing projects that will test new ways to unlock homes at scale within the location and beyond. This initial innovative housing project being delivered by the Duchy of Cornwall will be evaluated by the Homewards programme and learnings will be shared with the six Homewards coalitions and beyond.

“Across the UK, the lack of truly affordable homes is causing homelessness and results in hundreds of thousands of people living in poor quality temporary accommodation, with a lack of support and often putting their lives on hold for years.

“Building enough permanent affordable homes is a priority, and until we achieve this goal, we must rethink and redesign our temporary solutions. This project, a collaboration between the Duchy of Cornwall, St Petrocs and Homewards, hopes to demonstrate the power of delivering high quality temporary accommodation that really feels like home and gives people the dignity they deserve, alongside a clear pathway to permanent accommodation, creating a model that can be replicated and inspire innovation across the UK.”

– Professor Peter Mackie, member of the Homewards National Expert Panel

This innovative housing project forms part of Prince William’s and The Duchy’s wider plans for social housing and tackling homelessness on Duchy land. Further plans announced today include increasing affordable housing, building social housing and creating a Private Rented Scheme. For more information you can visit: News | The Duchy of Cornwall