New Homes in Grampound Road Honors Forgotten Women from Local History
A partnership between a Cornish housing charity and a local developer has resulted in the creation of 36 new homes in Grampound Road. The development, called Alice Meadow, not only provides much-needed housing, but also pays tribute to women who have been misrepresented in history.
Coastline Housing and Orchard Dean Developments joined forces for the first time to deliver this project. Out of the 36 homes, 10 were offered for affordable rent, four for shared ownership, and four at a discounted sale for those in need of housing. The rented and shared ownership properties have been completed and are now allocated or sold, while the discounted sale homes will soon be marketed. The open market homes are currently being advertised by Bradleys Estate Agents.
The name “Alice Meadow” was suggested by Dr Caitlin Dean, a Director of Orchard Dean Developments. She explains that they wanted a name that would spark interest in the human history of the area. Research uncovered several figures with the name Alice in the history of Grampound Road, including Alice Christopher, a local woman who inherited a number of tin mines in the early 1500s. Other mentions of the name Alice were found in reference to wives and daughters of local tin mine owners during the same time period.
Dr Dean notes that it is difficult to find more information about these women, which speaks volumes about the lack of recognition they received in their time. She believes it is important to use their names now in order to honor their contributions to their communities.
Interestingly, three present-day women who are all supporters of the Women in Construction movement played key roles in bringing this development to life. Along with Dr Dean, Angela Warwick, Director of Situ8 Planning, secured planning consent for the site, while Jo Harley, Development Manager at Coastline Housing, oversaw the project’s delivery on behalf of the social landlord.
Angela remarks that it felt like “serendipity” that these three women joined forces to honor those overlooked in history. She also notes that despite making up 50% of the population, women only make up 11% of the construction workforce in the UK. Jo from Coastline Housing adds that they are delighted to provide more affordable homes to families and individuals in Cornwall as the housing crisis continues to affect the county.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.