WORK has started on new flats in Newquay for young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Cornwall Council is constructing Dolphin House at the entrance to Nansledan in William Hosken Road, which will provide safe, comfortable accommodation along with support while residents find a permanent home.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: “There are currently around 120 young people living in temporary accommodation in Cornwall.

“Dolphin House will provide support and a comfortable place to live while its residents are looking for a permanent home.”

Peter La Broy, the Cabinet member for housing at Cornwall Council, said: “Dolphin House is being built by Cornwall Council, and its specifically for 18 to 25-year-old people who are either homeless or at threat of being made homeless.

“We have a number of young people spread throughout Cornwall who really don’t have the same opportunities as other young people. And to grow up in a family home where you’re loved, probably most of us have the opportunity to develop and learn how to live our life and within Dolphin House there will be wraparound support to make sure that they have all the opportunities available to learn life skills and hopefully ve able to move into their own independent living as soon as they’re able to.”

Joel Anderson from builders Morrish Homes said: “Dolphin House is designed to form the fourth quarter of the big roundabout. It will be the last piece of the puzzle. It will be the grand finale of the main Nansledan roundabout.

“It will be built traditionally with blockwork walls and concrete floors with retail units on the bottom. The parking will be all fed from a courtyard at the rear. There will be a big wide pavement that will provide nice, easy access for pedestrians. They will be cheap as possible to heat. They will also be very good for sound transfer. I appreciate that may not be as important as lower bills but as a place to live it is really important.”