Cornwall Housing reveals newly refurbished space for Polruan Hostel residents

Cornwall Housing hosted an official ‘open day’ to showcase recent renovations to Polruan Hostel on 3^rd October 2023.

This was an exciting event, where Cornwall Housing provided a tour of the completed works at the temporary social housing accommodation in Polruan.

The tour revealed refurbishments made to Polruan’s 18 flats and shared bathroom facilities, along with an upgraded children’s playroom and new heating and toilet facilities. Future plans for the rest of the building were also demonstrated, including a new entrance lobby. Refreshments, party bags and games were provided for children to enjoy.

Representatives from Cornwall Council, Together for Families, Moving On, health workers and Cornwall Housing’s Managing Director attended the open day to speak to and obtain feedback from residents.

Residents discussed with the representatives that the existing outside play space should be landscaped with a new washing line area, at it is currently unlevel and unsafe.

Viv Williams, Scheme Management Officer at Cornwall Housing, commented: “The residents are delighted to have their own newly refurbished space and keys, especially after spending a long time in B&Bs. They have the use of laundry facilities at Polruan and free Wi-Fi to help them organise their benefits.”

Dawn Mackintosh, Commissioning Officer at Cornwall Council, said: “These are exciting new plans for the building. We attended this event to support families. We want to get their views on what they like and want to see more of at Polruan.”

Sue Bradshaw, member of Together for Families, said: “We visit Polruan Hostel once a month in the residents’ flats or in the playroom. We see if they need help with anything and can assist them with benefit claims. Because of the open day, we have made new partnerships with the Moving On team and the health workers for new parents & under 5s.”

Chloe, a resident at Polruan, attended the open day. She said: “It’s now a warmer and nicer environment to play with my son.”