Prince William has unveiled a plan to build 24 homes for homeless individuals in Cornwall. The initiative, set to address local homelessness, involves constructing temporary accommodation on Duchy of Cornwall land in the southwest of England. The Duchy of Cornwall estate, which supports various activities for the Prince of Wales and his family, will be the site for the homes, with construction scheduled to begin in September. The first homes are expected to be completed by autumn 2025.
Working in collaboration with the St Petrocs homelessness charity, Prince William’s project prioritizes the creation of “high-quality temporary accommodation that feels like home” in the initial phase. The St Petrocs team will also provide “wrap-around support” to help residents access training and employment opportunities.
Ben Murphy, Duchy’s estate director, emphasized the project’s objective to “break the cycle of homelessness in the Newquay area.” Prince William, highlighting homelessness as a key concern for the Duchy of Cornwall, aims to contribute to resolving the housing crisis. The initiative aligns with broader plans to increase the availability of affordable homes across the estate.
Collaborating with the Duchy of Cornwall, St Petrocs is committed to delivering a project deeply integrated into the local community, providing a sustainable path out of homelessness. This initiative by Prince William is part of a five-year campaign, initiated in 2023, with the goal of eliminating homelessness.
Beyond the 24 homes, the Duchy of Cornwall has revealed plans for future housing projects, intending to raise the percentage of affordable housing from 30% to 40%. This includes constructing up to 200 additional affordable homes alongside the existing 1,020. Moreover, the estate plans to establish a Private Rented Scheme for Nansledan, facilitating access for lower-income individuals by offering longer-term tenancies and transparent rent increases. The estate’s commitment extends to building over 400 social rented homes and an additional 475 affordable dwellings in the new development of South East Faversham in Kent.