28-07-2025
Work starts on the Duchy of Cornwall's first homelessness project
Work has started on the Duchy of Cornwall's first homelessness project.
The scheme is located in Nansledan, Newquay, and was announced by HRH The Duke of Cornwall last year.
The project is a partnership between the Duchy of Cornwall and Cornish charity St Petrocs and will provide 24 homes for homeless people.
The low-carbon project will also offer support to help the residents.
The first phase will be completed in 2026 and will have temporary accommodation for 16 people.
This includes two four-bedroom homes and eight one-bedroom apartments.
The land being used is provided by the Duchy of Cornwall as part of its Nansledan development and is being built by one of Nansledan's housebuilders, CG Fry & Son.
The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall on a visit to St Petrocs. (Image: Newham and The Port of Truro.)
The houses are being constructed to high low-carbon standards to minimise environmental impact and future costs for St Petrocs.
Project manager at the Duchy of Cornwall, Peter James, said: "This is a pioneering initiative in several respects.
"It marks a first for the Duchy in directly addressing homelessness and supporting local people on a path toward secure, long-term housing.
"At the same time, it deepens our understanding of low-carbon building techniques as part of our commitment to reaching net zero.
"We hope the insights gained here will prove valuable and inspire similar efforts across the UK."
Work begins on the St Petrocs project at Nansleden. (Image: Hugh Hastings) St Petrocs will manage the scheme and will help residents to find permanent accommodation.
They will also work with local organisations such as Newquay Orchard to help residents build community connections through training and employment.
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Henry Meacock, chief executive of St Petrocs, said: "Having gone through a rigorous design process which has included input from St Petrocs' staff, volunteers and clients, it is tremendously exciting to see the construction work commencing.
"This development scheme will provide much needed additional capacity to St Petrocs' supported accommodation service, complementing our existing presence in the Newquay area and across Cornwall.
"The focus of this scheme will be on breaking the cycle of homelessness through a person-centred approach and providing community-based opportunities for people to progress away from homelessness for good."
