A partially built development of up to 40 flats in Cornwall will be demolished before it’s even completed. 

Work ceased at what was previously known as Trennick Villas in Truro over a year ago when contractor Midas went bust.

The retirement living scheme, known as Lowarth Morbies, on Malpas Road is due to offer 40 “independent living one and two bedroom apartments within a community setting for people over the age of 55, available for rent and shared ownership”. 

The company behind the scheme, which overlooks the river at Malpas, says damp has got into the partially built homes meaning they will now have to come down.

A spokesperson for Housing 21 said: “Our development, Lowarth Morbies in Truro, has been severely delayed because the contractor we were working with went into administration. Works ceased and it has taken several months to work through the contractual position. Consequently, when work stopped, the site was open to elements which may have resulted in water ingress.

“To ensure we have a quality building that provides much-needed and affordable accommodation for older people in this fantastic location, we have made the decision with our newly appointed contractor to take down previous works and build from foundations up.”

Due to the delays, the apartments are now expected to be completed in Spring 2025. The work was originally expected to be completed this year. Housing 21 says anyone who has expressed an interest in living at Lowarth Morbies is being kept informed of progress.

Residents of neighbouring Carew Pole Close have received letters from the demolition company, Demolition South West Ltd (DSW), informing them that the work will take place between May 9 and June 9, by order of Classic Builders. 

Nick Southall, contracts manager, says in the letter: “We will do our best to limit the amount of noise or disruption to you throughout our works.” Residents are asked to contact DSW’s office if they have any concerns during the demolition period.”

A neighbour of the development told us: “At least something is actually happening. I’m sick of seeing it.” Another said online: “I live at the top of the hill past this site, it’s been derelict for a very long time. I will be really pleased if they do complete the development as it’s such a superb site for housing.”

The original Trennick Villas retirement home had been vacant for several years and was boarded up to stop people breaking in and causing damage. In August 2020, a large part of the building was extensively damaged in an all-night blaze which saw eight fire engines from Truro and surrounding towns called to the scene.

In 2018, Housing 21 announced plans to refurbish the site and, after several attempts, was granted planning permission for the apartment development. However, work came to a halt in March 2022 after Midas went bust the month before.