Prince William visited Cornwall this afternoon, still basking in the glory of Aston Villa’s Europa League triumph, having watched his beloved club defeat Freiburg in Istanbul just hours earlier.
The Prince of Wales, who holds the title Duke of Cornwall when visiting the region, arrived at Nansledan sporting his team’s colours with a blue shirt and claret tie in tribute to Wednesday night’s historic victory.
William toured areas of the Duchy of Cornwall’s estate, and later took to Instagram to laud its progress.
“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,” the Prince of Wales wrote online.
“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.”
Local residents gave the future king a warm reception, with one young child presenting him with a chocolate bar.
The heir to the throne visited the Duchy’s ambitious Market Street scheme, which represents the first new high street of its kind constructed in Britain for more than a century.
Prince William visited Cornwall this afternoon, still basking in the glory of Aston Villa’s Europa League triumph, having watched his beloved club defeat Freiburg in Istanbul just hours earlier
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PA
Set for completion in 2028, the development will feature a blend of retail units, restaurants and cafes, office space, and a mammoth 24,500 square foot Tesco supermarket.
“At the heart of Nansledan, plans for Market Street are shaping one of the first new high streets built in over a century,” the prince wrote on social media.
“Designed to support local businesses and everyday connection, the development reflects a long-term commitment to sustainable growth and community life.”
The heir to the throne visited the Duchy’s ambitious Market Street scheme, which represents the first new high street of its kind constructed in Britain for more than a century
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PA
He participated in creating clay handprints alongside Nansledan residents and construction workers, with the impressions destined to be displayed throughout the finished scheme.
The Duke also inspected the Duchy of Cornwall’s inaugural housing initiative, designed specifically to combat homelessness in the region.
Working in partnership with Cornish charity St Petrocs, the innovative low-carbon project will deliver 24 high-quality homes with comprehensive support services for local people without permanent accommodation.
The initial phase provides temporary housing for 16 individuals, comprising two four-bedroom properties and eight one-bedroom flats, with the first residents expected to move in this summer.
Henry Meacock, chief executive of St Petrocs, praised William’s dedication to the scheme from its inception.
“It was two years ago when we welcomed The Duke to this site and showed him the final designs. To have him see the finished product is just brilliant,” he said.
William participated in creating clay handprints alongside Nansledan residents and construction workers, with the impressions destined to be displayed throughout the finished scheme
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PA
Mr Meacock emphasised the project demonstrates how homelessness can be tackled “person by person, place by place and policy by policy.”
William later met Nick and Jess Dunstan, the first couple to occupy the Build-to-Rent properties at Nansledan.
The pair told the prince they were thrilled to secure affordable accommodation in such an attractive location, particularly given the competitive rental market, and noted the proximity to their six-year-old daughter Rosie’s school.
It comes as the Duchy revealed it was to sell 20 per cent of the estate off in order to channel an additional £500million into efforts to combat housing shortages and environmental degradation.
This included £11million invested in eco-housing in the Isles of Scilly, which is currently battling a housing crisis.