Kier Living has begun work on the redevelopment of the Almshouses in Culverland Road in Exeter and to celebrate, The Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Rob Newby, joined Kier and the trustees of Exeter Municipal Charities at an event to mark the formal start of demolition works.

Exeter Municipal Charities chairman, Kate Caldwell, said: "I am very happy that we are taking the first step in building these new homes for Exeter residents and that the Lord Mayor of Exeter, who is also one of our Trustees, is able to join us for the occasion. As with our other properties we will be giving priority to housing older people in need and to those who have a strong local connection to the area.

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"These homes will provide high quality accommodation and incorporate many energy saving features, making them extremely efficient to run. Thanks to the support of the Homes and Communities Agency, Exeter City Council and our many benefactors, we are doubling the number - and hugely improving the quality - of the housing stock we can offer here at Culverland Road."

The development was designed by local architect Russ Palmer and will provide 24 two-bedroom units to replace the 12 flats that are being demolished. The existing almshouses do not meet current standards for Decent Homes, and suffer from poor access and problems with sound and thermal insulation.

Built over three floors and with two lifts, each of the new units will be more spacious than the current properties. An attractive garden will also be planted with shrubs and flowers that will attract birds and butterflies.

(CD/GK)