
Celebrating 25 years of North Devon Homes
This year marks a significant milestone for North Devon Homes, as we celebrate 25 years of providing affordable homes and building vibrant communities across North Devon. To commemorate this anniversary, The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon is hosting a special exhibition and a thought-provoking symposium that reflect on the past, present, and future of health and housing in the region.
The exhibition at The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon celebrates 25 years since the creation of North Devon Homes as a housing association, and explores the story of social housing in Barnstaple and North Devon, from the 17th century to the present day.
In February 2000, social housing stock was transferred over from North Devon Council to the newly created North Devon Homes. 25 years later, we are a registered charity providing affordable homes for people who need them. We have grown to manage over 3,300 homes and support more than 10,000 customers – that is more than 1 in 10 people across North Devon.
Our mission as a community landlord is not just about providing housing, but to create communities where people want to live. We achieve this through investing in our neighbourhoods, working closely with our customers, positive partnerships with local organisations and community initiatives designed to make North Devon a better place to live.
The Health and Housing in Barnstaple Past and Present exhibition in the museum’s community gallery delves into the rich history of social housing in Barnstaple and North Devon. From the alms-houses of the 17th century to the workhouses of the 1830s, the slum clearances of the mid-20th century, and the post-war development of housing estates. The exhibition sheds light on how housing has evolved to meet the needs of the community over centuries. It also highlights the recent work of North Devon Homes, including the redevelopment of key sites such as Forches in Barnstaple, where modern, affordable homes now stand as a testament to progress.
In addition, on Saturday 8 February, I will be joining local historians and experts across North Devon at Barnstaple’s Guildhall in a symposium titled Health and Housing in North Devon: Past and Present. Join us from 10am – 4pm, where we will be talking about the intricate link between housing and well-being. I am honoured to be one of the speakers, providing insights into the future vision of North Devon Homes. Tickets for this are available at Museum of Barnstaple and North Devonhttps://barnstaplemuseum.org.uk/
This celebration recognising our 25th year is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the journey of social housing in North Devon and to look ahead at the role that North Devon Homes will play in shaping the future of housing in the region.