The £5.7 million St Kilda redevelopment in Brixham is continuing to make strong progress, with work now focused on the next phase of construction as 23 new affordable homes move closer to being ready for local residents aged 55 and over.

Transforming the site of the former St Kilda care home, which has been vacant since 2016, the development will provide modern one and two-bedroom apartments at social rent, helping to meet local housing need while enabling older residents to continue living independently within their community.

As the development continues to take shape, attention is turning towards the future residents who will benefit from the new homes. The properties will begin to be advertised through Devon Home Choice from tomorrow (Wednesday 12 August), with shortlisting scheduled to take place during the first week of September.

The scheme forms part of our wider commitment to increasing the supply of affordable housing across the Bay. By providing high-quality homes specifically designed for people aged 55 and over, St Kilda will help meet growing local demand while creating opportunities for older residents to downsize and remain living independently in their community. In turn, this can help free up larger social housing properties for families on the housing register.

Construction has advanced significantly over recent months, with the building now clearly taking shape as work progresses through the next phase of the development. The development is now beginning to reflect the high-quality homes and communal spaces that future residents will enjoy.

The recent removal of the site crane marked another important step forward ahead of the final stages of development in preparation of welcoming residents moving into their homes.

Cllr Alan Tyerman, Torbay Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "It's fantastic to see the progress being made at St Kilda and to watch these much-needed homes really taking shape.

"This development represents an important investment in affordable housing for Brixham and will provide high-quality, energy-efficient homes that help older residents remain living independently within their community.

"It's particularly encouraging that local people will shortly be able to express an interest in these homes through Devon Home Choice, marking another significant milestone for the scheme."

Chris Herron, Contracts Manager, for Classic Builders said: "The development has progressed extremely well, and we are now focused on the next phase of works as we continue bringing the building to life.

"There has been excellent collaboration across the project team and it's rewarding to see the scheme taking shape. We look forward to continuing our work with Torbay Council to deliver these much-needed affordable homes for the community."

The scheme has progressed through a phased programme, with demolition completed in early 2025 following the safe removal of asbestos and construction advancing steadily since. As work continues through the next stages, the development remains on track for completion in Autumn 2026, bringing 23 much-needed affordable homes to Brixham and breathing new life into a site that has stood vacant for almost a decade. The development highlights the important role social housing plays in supporting local people to remain independent and connected to their communities.

We would like to thank local residents for their continued patience and support throughout the construction period.