A MAJOR Bournemouth council-backed housing development has been officially opened.

The £27 million development Berry Court development in St. Peters Road was built for housing provider Radian by the Bournemouth Development Company (BDC) – a public-private partnership between the borough and Morgan Sindall Investments Ltd.

Morgan Sindall constructed the block of 113 mostly two-bedroom flats on the former Berry Court public car park.

The development includes 155 like-for-like replacement public parking spaces in a new multi-storey block, but only 62 spaces have been provided for the residents of the flats.

Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns cut the ribbon.

He said: "It was a pleasure to be asked to cut the ribbon to open this stunning development.

"The flats are of a very high standard and in a superb location.

"This is exactly the type of development we need to see more of nationally to address the supply of homes to rent."

Peter Evans, executive director for Radian Group, said: "We’re delighted to be able to take ownership.

"Berry Court is Radian’s flagship private rented sector development and is part of our commitment to provide homes of all tenures for all ages, giving people the choice and flexibility they need.

"It has been a pleasure working with Bournemouth Development Company and I hope we have the opportunity again.

"The apartments have proved very popular and we’ve only a few remaining."

Questions have been raised within the town hall about the continuation of the relationship between the council and Morgan Sindall, and the 'Town Centre Vision' policy of building on public car parks, particularly since the rejection last month of the partnership's proposal for the Durley Road car park.

However BDC development director Duncan Johnston said Berry Court was "a prime example of true team work".

And council leader Councillor John Beesley said the borough was "committed" to homebuilding.

"It is great to see high quality new homes being delivered at Berry Court," he said.

"The council is committed to delivering much needed private rented new homes in Bournemouth which will make an important contribution to regeneration and securing long-term economic growth."