Lord Mayor unveils plaque at city landmark

Exeter Homes Trust, formerly known as The Exeter Municipal Charity, hosted an event on Friday (12 May) to celebrate the completion of remodelling work, at the historic Magdalen Cottages, and the organisation’s rebrand.

The 150-year old Grade II listed cottages, situated in the St Leonard’s area of the city, have undergone an 18-month programme of work to provide residents with 13 remodelled apartments, across two floors.

The launch was the last public engagement for the Lord Mayor, Councillor Cynthia Thompson, before stepping down from office, after a successful 12-month term.

Exeter Homes Trust Chairman Alan Williamson welcomed guests, including Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw, before Anthony De Ritter, Director of the Almshouse Association, explained why the Almshouses continue to be so important to the communities they serve.

The Lord Mayor then performed the official opening, by cutting the ribbon across the new plaque. The Bishop of Exeter, The Right Revd Robert Atwell, completed the ceremony, by explaining the historical significance of the Almshouses and offering a blessing.

The Magdalen Cottages work, delivered by Exeter contractor Fifields Construction, has been part funded by the Homes and Communities Agency.

The project has included demolishing the 1960s additions at the rear and replacing them with new, more energy efficient extensions. The apartments now also benefit from secondary glazing, sound-proofing, gas central heating and modern wet rooms.

Alan Williamson, Chairman of Exeter Homes Trust, explains the reasons behind the project: “Magdalen Cottages were in need of updating, to make them more comfortable and user friendly for our residents.

"The challenge we faced was to retain the exterior fabric and distinctive character of the cottages, while upgrading the apartments to make them more modern and energy efficient.

"This has been achieved with a sympathetic design that both respects the buildings’ past and delivers more spacious and practical accommodation.”

Exeter Homes Trust provides housing for people who are unable to remain in their own homes by reason of failing health or reduced circumstances. The Charity owns and manages 149 properties in the city and is governed by a board of 13 directors.

Regarding the charity’s transition to Exeter Homes Trust, Alan Williamson comments: “Despite undergoing a name change, our Directors remain committed to providing accommodation to our beneficiaries of the very best standard.

"Although the name change will have little impact for our residents, it signifies a new and exciting chapter for the organisation. 

"Our objective is to future proof our accommodation, to make it as sustainable and comfortable as possible, and we hope that Magdalen Cottages will be a blueprint for future development.

“The launch event provided us with an opportunity to celebrate the completion of a very successful programme of work and to thank our local supporters and residents.”

The current programme of work, at Magdalen Cottages, follows the successful redevelopment of the Charity’s Culverland Road site last year.

Anthony De Ritter, Director of the Almshouse Association, comments: “Almshouses charities, which include Magdalen Cottages, have served this Nation for generations and today provide homes for those in need for over 35,000 residents.

"A unique feature of almshouse charities is that they are governed by local trustees, in accordance with the wishes of their benefactors, and this creates a special bond between the residents, trustees and the local community.

"Magdalen cottages provide a fine example of ensuring the highest standards internally, whilst preserving the historic tradition for the benefit of all to enjoy, and the Almshouse Association congratulates Exeter Homes Trust on what has been achieved."