Construction work has started on 110 sustainable and affordable homes, thanks to partnership working between Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and Wates Residential Construction Ltd.
Hillbourne housing development in Poole will provide 40 two-bedroom homes, 41 three-bedroom homes and an independent living apartment building with 29 one-bedroom flats.
It aims to bring new investment and generate millions in social value for the local community.
The homes will be a combination of social rent and shared ownership and will be built around the new Hillbourne Junior School.
Designed with modern living in mind, the Hillbourne housing development will deliver high-quality, low carbon and energy-efficient homes.
The scheme has been made possible, thanks to a £7.84m grant from Homes England – a government housing and regeneration agency.
The scheme is designed to reduce traffic speeds and give pedestrians priority, creating a vibrant and accessible neighbourhood. The homes will have parking, a layout designed to provide passive surveillance and a communal area for families with young children to meet friends and neighbours.
The development will be landscaped, including 61 newly planted trees and 200m of native hedging. A wildlife pond and bird and bat boxes are included to enhance the existing wildlife.
The development is predicted to deliver £24 million of social value in terms of employment, training and development opportunities, including 13 new apprenticeships for local people.
Wates Residential Construction Ltd will also generate £6 million of local spend and work opportunities for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) through the local supply chain, with 60 hours of the company’s time also being committed to supporting local community, voluntary organisations and charities.
Cllr Kieron Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, said: “The Hillbourne scheme is great news for the residents of Poole and the wider conurbation.
“I am delighted that the scheme has now progressed to the construction phase and that we are expecting work to be completed by the summer of 2026. Homes England made a much-welcomed contribution to a project which is a key part of our new build strategy.
“This site is a huge part of our continued vision to provide good quality homes that are sustainable and affordable for all our residents.”
Barry Williams, Project Director, Wates Residential Construction Ltd, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with BCP Council to deliver much-needed affordable homes, that achieve outstanding energy efficiency in Poole through the Hillbourne development.
“This scheme exemplifies our joint commitment to creating sustainable communities and providing homes that meet the needs of residents both now and in the future – reducing energy bills and supporting local supply chains.”
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