Way back in 1921, a local vicar known as Father Carr became Vicar of St Marys Church in Penzance. At this time, many poor people lived in appalling slums in and around the local area. Father Carr made it his mission to lobby the town council at the time, to help them understand that local people needed better housing. The town council had already completed the first few council houses but refused to build any more.
After 4 years of hard work, finally, in 1925, Father Carr and his rotary colleague, Dr William Leslie were both elected as town councillors. They had a huge local following in the town and once elected, their focus was to be the provision of housing for local people. By 1927 Father Carr had formed a Housing Committee and with the help of the newly formed ‘Ratepayers Association’ and Rev Basil Jellicoe (who built the famous St Pancreas flats in London), a strong local housing policy was created and finally backed by the town council.
In 1928, a devasting fire on the site known as Rodds Court in New Street (now where St Michaels Cottages stand), killed two men and did much damage. It was at this location that Father Carr set his sights on building affordable housing for local residents and, in 1931 St Michael Housing Society was formed.
By 1933, and after a frenzy of donations and share purchases, the first 8 houses of St Michaels Cottages were officially opened and within a short time, a further 8 were built – making 16 in total. It was only after the success of the Society and popularity of these houses that the town council finally continued to build the housing estates around Penzance.
The policy of St Michael Housing Society was, and is today, to provide housing for local people who are living in overcrowded or unsuitable conditions. On a low income and unable to purchase a home.
By 1991 a total renovation of the St Michaels Cottages was completed with the help of grant funding and in 1992 the Society celebrated the reopening of the 16 houses.
Over the years, the Society has added to its portfolio of houses and the total number of properties owned by the Society is now 26. All of which are regularly maintained to an extremely high standard along with having gas central heating and modern up to date boilers.
The Society has seen many secretaries and trustees come and go over the years, all of whom have worked tirelessly for the good of the Society. St Michael Housing Society relies totally on its rental income to undertake the day-to-day management of the organisation and when funds allow, new properties are acquired. With a very dedicated voluntary management committee, the Society continues to strive to uphold the high standards of housing that our tenants deserve.
