The Richmond Charities have marked the start of a new development of almshouses, with a 'breaking the ground ceremony on 28 September.

The Richmond Charities provides almshouse accommodation for the over 65s in the borough who are in housing and financial need and has been doing so for over 400 years. 

The new development has been designed by Clive Chapman Architects and the construction firm is Buxton and will feature five new almshouses that are fully wheelchair accessible.

Juliet Ames-Lewis, Chief Executive of The Richmond Charities said: "This is a really exciting new development for the charity.

"Five new almshouses are being built which will be fully wheelchair accessible and built to PassivHaus standards, the highest level of energy efficiency accreditation.

"This new development, along with another new build of 12 almshouses on Queen's Road, Richmond, which has also just begun, will increase the charity's number of almshouses in the borough from 145 to 162."

Mollie King, the daughter of the former trustee of the charity, Stephen King, and is well known for being a member of the pop group, The Saturdays, broke the ground with a ceremonial spade.

She said: " "I'm very proud to be here today supporting The Richmond Charities - today's breaking of the ground event for the future of another much needed almshouse estate means so much to me and all of my family.

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"Adequate housing and a real sense of community for the elderly was a cause so close to my Dad's heart - he was and continues to be such an inspiration in my life and anything he was passionate about has certainly been passed onto all of us.

She added: "He put so much time and care into supporting The Richmond Charities and it's an honour to be here in his name - I hope the development continues to make a real difference to so many people and their loved ones."

Find out more about the charity and how to apply for accommodation here.