AFTER taking seven years to reach completion, a £3 million affordable housing development has finally opened in Falmouth.
The 16-home project at Marina View, North Parade, is for housing and care provider Sanctuary Group.
Sitting on the site of a former petrol station and car repair premises, the eight town houses and eight apartments are the result of two complete redesigns.
Neil Clements, Sanctuary's development manager for Cornwall, said: "This has not been a straight-forward project, by any means, but the site has always had tremendous potential.
"We are delighted that it has been transformed to provide a mix of sympathetically designed apartments and houses that are within reach of local people, both in terms of affordability and location."
Funded by Sanctuary Group, it had support from Cornwall Council and investment of £550,000 from the government's Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
The development also created the opportunity for training and employment, with Sanctuary's contractor Kier Living offering one new bricklaying apprenticeship on the site, and three existing apprentices the chance to work on the project.
Representatives from Cornwall Council and Falmouth Town Council were invited to view the properties.
Good news
Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council's Cabinet member for homes and communities, said: "There is a huge need for affordable housing in Falmouth and the completion of these homes is very good news for the town.
"Both Cornwall Council and Falmouth Town Council have lent their support over the course of the project and we are all delighted to see these fabulous new homes completed and ready to move in to."
