Mid Devon District Council has acquired the Three Rivers Development site alongside the River Exe to provide 39 new homes for social housing.
It was previously described as a site which had been “steamrollered in against the wishes of the public,” by those who had favourited the location being transformed into a park. The development was constructed with Mid Devon’s own development arm Three Rivers Developments which closed in 2023 after it had been loaned £21million, and the council had struggled to sell properties at the site on the commercial market.
To address the need for affordable and social housing in the district, St George’s Court will provide 28 social rent units and 11 affordable rent units. The council’s cabinet approved prioritising allocations for residents aged over 60.
St George’s Court, which began construction in August 2018, is made up of a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom terrace and semi-detached houses, and two three-bedroom semi-detached houses. The development, which previously won a national housing design award for its architectural innovation, is positioned in the heart of Tiverton and offers a stunning waterfront location with views across the River Exe.
The first tenants are expected to move into their new homes at St Georges Court early in the New Year.
The energy-efficient properties feature fitted kitchens with integrated appliances, bathrooms, and allocated parking, including under-croft parking bays with lift access to the apartments.
The acquisition of St George’s Court is part of the Council’s wider Housing Strategy, which aims to deliver 500 new social housing units over five years. This development supports the Council’s Housing Strategy 2021-25 objectives to increase the supply of affordable homes and retain a sustainable Council housing stock.
Councillor Simon Clist, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, assets and property, said: “Our focus is on delivering homes that meet local needs. By acquiring the homes at St Georges Court, for our own social housing stock, we have achieved a successful outcome for our communities and residents, continuing our commitment to providing affordable, high quality and energy efficient homes in Mid Devon. Their central location will also provide the added benefit of more footfall to the town centre, supporting and enhancing local businesses and the wider community.”