A "vital" housing scheme Dorset aimed at supporting homeless people has been completed, with the first residents moving in.
The £3.5m award-winning project on Herbert Avenue in Poole was constructed by developer AJC Group, which is based in the town, along with Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) Council.
The purpose-designed eco-focused scheme was funded by BCP Council to create 24 ‘move on’ homes for local people who are currently homeless and require a stepping-stone between hostels and independent living.
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Located on the site of the former Bourne Valley Community Centre, the building has been turned into self-contained apartments, three of which are wheelchair accessible.
The site also includes 15 parking spaces, a bike store and a communal garden. According to the local authority, the scheme also meets ‘Low Passivhaus’ accreditation meaning the flats have been built to rigorous energy efficient design standards. The idea, the council says, is to keep running costs and any energy bills for occupiers to a minimum.
BCP Council is hoping the Herbert Avenue scheme will help reduce dependency on bed and breakfast accommodation, by providing more suitable housing for homeless people in the town.
Councillor Kieron Wilson, portfolio holder for housing and regulatory services at BCP Council, said: “Our long-term vision is to end homelessness across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, working with our partners to achieve this.
“This new development will be vital in providing much-needed ‘move on’ accommodation for families and individuals who really need it, and with really good eco-standards that will benefit everyone who lives here, this highlights a successful working partnership with AJC Group to construct these much-needed new homes.”
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Construction of the scheme began in 2022 using local resources and suppliers. The scheme was designed by Arcus Consulting.
David Cracklen, director of AJC Group, said: “With Poole and Sandbanks being such a tourist hotspot, the need for homeless accommodation might not be at the forefront of people’s minds. However, the high cost of living here and increasing rates of homelessness mean schemes like this are so vital.
“We are extremely pleased to have partnered with BCP Council on this project and completed the construction to such a high standard. Obtaining the funding for such an innovative project was a huge undertaking and it is a credit to the council’s innovative thinking and approach. It’s rare to see a housing development built to this exacting Low Passivhaus specification, due to the increased time and meticulous attention to detail required. This is our first scheme built to Low Passivhaus standards and we couldn’t be prouder of our achievement here.”
The 24 homes at Herbert Avenue contribute towards AJC Group’s pledge to build 500 new affordable homes in the Wessex region by 2028.
The business currently has four additional sites including Lindsay Road and The Sloop, which are located in Poole. In Bournemouth, The Sonnet apartment scheme is also under construction, while a partnership with Aster to deliver 57 affordable homes is underway in Dorchester.
The company says it is “on track” to deliver more than 200 mixed-tenure homes during 2023, reflecting a total construction value in excess of £100m.
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