Work has started on a £3.5m scheme of so-called 'move-on homes' for homeless people in Dorset. The development of 24 properties in Poole is based on the site of the former Bourne Valley Community Centre at 56 Herbert Avenue.
Dorset-headquartered residential specialist AJC Group is carrying out the construction contract for Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) Council.
The purpose-designed apartment building will create "much-needed homes" for residents who are currently homeless, or who require a form of move-on accommodation, according to AJC Group.
The groundworks and infrastructure phase of the project has already been finished and the firm is scheduled to complete the construction and fit-out phase by next August.
The scheme has been designed by Arcus Consulting, with technical drawings delivered by Christchurch-based ARC Architects, and is being funded by BCP Council. Three of the new homes will be wheelchair accessible and there will be 10 parking spaces, a bike store and a communal garden.
David Cracklen, director of AJC Group, said: “This trailblazing development has been designed locally, it will be constructed by our local supply chain, and as soon as the new homes are handed over to BCP Council, they will be occupied by local people.
“With Poole and Sandbanks being such a tourist hotspot, the need for ‘move on’ accommodation might not be at the forefront of everyone’s minds. However, the high cost of living here is why this scheme on Herbert Avenue is so vital. We are all too aware of the waiting list of people in need for these homes, so we have committed all resources possible to ensure the project is completed to schedule."
The Herbert Avenue development will reduce the dependency on bed and breakfast accommodation, according to the local authority, by providing a more suitable housing solution.
Councillor Karen Rampton, BCP Council portfolio holder for people and homes, added: “I am thrilled that this purpose-designed development will soon be coming out of the ground. To provide homes for families where they can be in the centre of a great community neighbourhood, with everything accessible, is fantastic and I just cannot wait to see the end result.”
AJC Group is currently constructing 230 new homes in prime locations across the Wessex region.
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