'Brixham first' in new flats plan

'We could fill them two or three times over'

Brixham residents have been assured that they will get priority when it comes to handing over the keys to 23 new homes being built in the town.

Torbay Council’s cabinet has given the go-ahead for a £5.7 million project to build flats on the site of the old St Kilda’s care home off Drew Street.

Demolition of the old building is likely to begin in the summer and the target date for the new building to open is early 2026.

“There has always been a wish to do something like this with that site,” said Cllr Alan Tyerman (Con, Churston with Galmpton).

“I don’t think we’ll have any difficulty in filling these homes. In fact I’m sure we could fill them two or three times over.”

He said high construction costs and borrowing rates meant it had been a struggle to get the plans this far, but plans were now prepared for a mixture of one and two-bedroom flats for people aged over 55 at social rent prices.

“Priority will be given to Brixham residents,” he said. “This has been targeted to suit people who want to downsize to a property that is well managed and modern.”

Cllr Nick Bye (Con, Wellswood) said his late mother had been one of the last residents in the old St Kilda’s home. “It has been incredibly sad for me to see it empty,” he said. “Brixham has an older population than Torquay or Paignton, but most of the accommodation we have for older people is in Torquay and Paignton.

“I think the people of Brixham will be very pleased to see this take shape.”

The council will now bid for funding from Homes England - the government’s housing and regeneration agency.