A major milestone has been reached as work begins on Papermaker House, The South Hams newest retirement community.

Ivybridge Town Mayor Cllr Phillip Dredge attended the ceremony to celebrate the progress of the development, taking the opportunity to tour the site and learn more about the plans for Papermaker House and the positive impact it will bring to the local community.

Papermaker House will offer a range of flexible living options for the over-60s, alongside thoughtfully designed communal spaces, and enhanced safety and security features, reflecting a commitment to creating supportive, modern lifestyles tailored to later living.

The construction is progressing well, with completion expected in mid‑2027 and homes set to be released for off‑plan sale in February.

Papermaker House has been thoughtfully designed, offering residents the freedom of their own private home while being part of a vibrant and supportive community.

The development will comprise a collection of one- and two-bedroom retirement apartments, created with comfort, practicality, and ease of living in mind.

Commenting on the visit, Ivybridge Town Mayor Cllr Phillip Dredge said: “I was pleased to be invited to the ceremony and to play a small part in marking this stage of the Papermaker House development.

“With its location and purpose, I have no doubt it will be a welcome addition to the town, and I wish the project every success as work continues”.

Homeowners will have access to a range of shared spaces designed to bring neighbours together, including a welcoming communal lounge perfect for a coffee, a catch-up or simply meeting new friends.

Outside, landscaped gardens will provide a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the seasons, while a guest suite will allow friends and family to stay close by when visiting.

The name Papermaker House has been chosen to honour Ivybridge's rich papermaking heritage and the generations of skilled craftsmen who worked on this historic site.

Papermaking in the town dates back to 1787, when William Dunsterville established the first paper mill, followed by a second mill founded by William Pim in 1814.

Throughout the 19th century, the mills played an important role in the local community, with William Pim and his sons Henry and John among those recorded as papermakers.

As part of the wider Stowford Mill development, Papermaker House will celebrate this proud legacy while creating a new community for homeowners.

Set beside the River Erme, with views across Victoria Park and the historic former mill buildings, the development will connect Ivybridge's industrial past with its future.

Emily Storer, McCarthy & Stone Area Sales Manager, said: “It’s fantastic to see Papermaker House taking shape and to mark this important milestone.

“We’re excited to bring this new retirement community to Ivybridge and look forward to welcoming homeowners to a vibrant, supportive community where they can enjoy independent living with peace of mind.”

For added peace of mind, a House Manager will be on-site during office hours to oversee the day-to-day running of the development, while a 24/7 emergency call system and camera entry system in each apartment will help homeowners feel safe and secure.