The Labour leadership of Exeter City Council remains committed to providing social and affordable housing across the City. It seeks to achieve this through a range of traditional and innovative routes,  the news breaking this week is an exciting example of one of the less traditional solutions. Its an exciting groundbreaking partnership initiative, where the site, originally intended for student accommodation by a private developer, is going to be reworked to deliver affordable one bedroom homes for young people.

Building work is in progress on converting an abandoned warehouse in Acland Road into 26 self-contained studio apartments. The joint venture involving Labour-led Exeter City Council, with YMCA Exeter and Homes England aims to address the shortage of one bed affordable homes for local young people.  The newly named, ‘Sidwell Studios’ is being specifically built to create a fantastic community feel within the city, while regenerating the area and providing an asset to the locality and real, affordable housing options for local young people. 

Labour Councillor Ruth Williams, Lead Councillor for Supporting People, said:

“Exeter City Council is delighted to be working together with YMCA Exeter to provide an excellent affordable housing solution for Young People in the city.  There is an increasing need to meet the demand of affordable housing in the city and this will go a long way to providing vital move-on accommodation from Young Persons Supported Housing. We look forward to the completion of the scheme later this year and YMCA Exeter welcoming its first residents.” 

The new development will work closely with St Sidwell’s Community Centre, providing the opportunity for residents to access vocational skills workshops and a community allotment. 

The building work began in January 2021, with plans for residents to move into the accommodation by the end of the year.