UP to nine young people with complex needs are set to benefit from a new purpose-built block of accessible flats in Poole.

The accommodation block, named Woodlark House, is due to be completed in May and has been delivered by the council together with Poole Housing Partnership.

Councillor Karen Rampton, cabinet member for housing, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to see Woodlark House nearing completion. We are proud to be able to provide much needed specialist accommodation for local young people with complex needs. The young people will be fully supported with trained staff on hand to support them with their social and life skills as they move in to adulthood.”

The £1.6 million block at the old Gravel Hill Police Station site contains six flats to accommodate up to nine young people aged 16-25 years old. Four of the flats are designed for two young people to share.

Support staff will be on hand 24 hours a day with a sleep-in and waking night service provided by Advance Housing and Support.

Chris Pascoe, area manager for Advance, said: "We are very much looking forward to supporting these nine young people with first planning and then moving into their new homes at Woodlark House. Each young person will have individual support from a trained staff team to enable them to develop their confidence, social and life skills as they take this important new step in their lives.”

Woodlark House is one of three housing blocks being developed on the former Gravel Hill Police Station site, which will provide a total of 62 affordable one and two-bedroom apartments for shared ownership and for those waiting on the housing register.

The second block, Pipit House, is due to be completed in June and the final building, named Grayling House, is due for completion in July.

The three blocks are being constructed by CG Fry.