Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) has joined forces with Nevada Construction and Prime to build key worker housing on Tresawls Road, Truro.
The new development started construction with a turf-cutting ceremony on 3rd June, and now Nevada Construction says it is making “strong progress”.
In a LinkedIn post, Prime states that Nevada is progressing with site establishment, road formation and the foundations for the accommodation blocks.
“Substructure blockwork has now commenced, and drainage works and preparations for service connections are underway,” the post reads. “In the coming weeks, branded site hoarding will be installed, and the beam and block floor works will start.”
The post also explains that a time-lapse camera will be installed to capture the progress as the development comes out of the ground.
Substructure blockwork has now commenced, and drainage works and preparations for service connections are underway
What is the key worker housing?
Just a short walk from the Royal Cornwall Hospital, the new development will bring 22 new housing units, spread across three purpose-built residential blocks.
Together, this space will offer 89 beds in a mix of 3-, 4-, and 5-bedroom apartments that will each include shared kitchen and living spaces, along with modern bathrooms.
The scheme has been designed by Cornish firm CAD Architects, with civil and structural engineering by Airey & Coles, and building services by One Creative Environments.
Once complete, the accommodation will be managed by Hyve by Prime, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of key workers through quality housing.
Hyve currently operates Alexandra House in Dorchester and plans to open the waiting list to hospital workers in Truro the summer of 2026.
Prime states that the project reflects a commitment by itself and the Trust to support frontline public sector workers, particularly NHS staff, by addressing the critical shortage of affordable and desirable housing options in the area.
As a proud Cornishman, it is especially meaningful to contribute to something of such significance in the region
Mark Jones, Associate Director at Nevada Construction, said: “As a proud Cornishman, it is especially meaningful to contribute to something of such significance in the region. We hope this will be the first of many sites that help address those needs across the region.”
By improving access to quality accommodation, the Trust is better able to support the recruitment and retention of staff who are vital to providing care to the local community.
Steve Williamson, Chief Executive of Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “This new key worker accommodation will play a vital role in supporting how we deliver services, by helping us attract and retain the dedicated staff who are at the heart of patient care.
Williamson added that it is a “forward-thinking investment in our people, our services and the future of healthcare in Cornwall”.
Prime’s Chief Executive, Leighton Chumbley, added: “This development is about more than just housing, it’s about supporting the people who support our communities.”