Prince William visits Nansledan to view its new high street

PRINCE William visited Nansledan on Thursday to view the new high street project under construction.

The Duke of Cornwall was shown the Duchy of Cornwall’s Market Street scheme, which will provide a mix of retail, food and beverage outlets, offices, and a 24,500 square foot Tesco supermarket.

The Prince made handprints out of clay with residents and construction workers from Nansledan, which will be incorporated around the scheme.

Among those in attendance were Tim and Kaya Leadsford, who were one of the first residents living in Nansledan, Theresa Ferguson from Nansledan Community Association as well as Sarah Hood, who runs Naturally Learning Nansledan, along with her six-year-old son Iggy.

The first new high street of its kind to be built in over a century is due to be completed in 2028.

The Duke also visited the site's inaugural Build-to-Rent properties where he met some of its first residents during a walkabout, which included Nick and Jess Dunstan.

Jess Dunstan said the family would have "struggled" to find a rental in the area if it was not for this development.

Prince William then visited the Duchy of Cornwall’s first ever housing project to directly address homelessness.

The innovative low carbon project is being delivered alongside Cornish charity St Petrocs below Newquay Sports Centre and will provide 24 high quality homes with wrap around support for local people experiencing homelessness.

The first phase comprises high quality temporary accommodation for 16 individuals, with two four-bedroomed homes and eight one-bedroomed apartments.

The new houses are due to have their first occupants this summer.

Henry Meacock, the chief executive of St Petrocs, said: “It is fantastic to have the Duke of Cornwall visit the scheme.

“I have noticed how personally involved he has been with the project from day. When he first visited it was an empty patch of land and now, we have a fantastic building to welcome him.”

A spokesperson for St Petrocs added: “We were proud to take part in a visit from His Royal Highness The Duke of Cornwall to Nansledan showing him the progress on the new supported homes for people experiencing homelessness in Cornwall.

“By combining safe, secure accommodation with personalised support, this project will help people rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.

“This is a reminder of what’s possible when organisations work together to tackle homelessness.”

Prince William finished the day in Newquay with a Duchy of Cornwall reception at Newquay Orchard, which brought together a range of local organisations and community champions.

The Duke spoke to student volunteers about their involvement with The Orchard and then delivered a “passionate” speech about Cornwalls future and the Duchy's role in helping it thrive.

Prince William said: "Three years ago, we set out to take a different approach, to think more carefully about how the Duchy could use its land to create opportunity and support people over the long term, including launching a project here in Cornwall to help tackle homelessness with the right support around it.

"It’s fantastic to come back at Nansledan and to see that beginning to take shape, and to meet some of the people now calling it home.

“There’s still more to do, but it’s encouraging to see what’s already possible when you bring together the right people, ideas and ambition."