A MAJOR development of more than 100 new homes in the heart of Christchurch town centre is likely to not be complete for at least three years.

The green light was given to Aster Group's plans for the site, which includes the former Christchurch Police Station and Christchurch Magistrates' Court buildings and Bargates and Pit Site car parks, last month by BCP Council's planning committee.

The police and court buildings between Barrack Road and Bargates have sat derelict for several years, with Dorset Police basing their operation in the borough from office space at the fire station in Fairmile Road.

Aster Group are in the process of completing the purchase of the site, which is partly owned by Dorset Police, BCP Council and Dorset Council.

However, with a range of work to carry out on the land, construction is not expected to begin for around 12 months.

At this point, builders will begin a phased project scheme that is like to take at least two years.

A spokesperson from Aster Group said: "Now that BCP Council has given the project the go ahead, the vendor’s and our legal teams can start progressing any legal matters that are relevant to finalise the transaction.

"There are still a lot of preparation works to be done but we are hopeful that we may be able to start construction in approximately 12 months.

"The project will be brought forward in phases and the whole construction stage is likely to take at least two years.

"The demolition of the derelict buildings will be undertaken at an appropriate time, in close cooperation with the local planning authority.

"We shall inform the community when a definitive forecast for the development has been agreed.”

Aster Group's scheme includes 131 homes – 53 of which would be ‘affordable’ – alongside a 39-bed retirement facility, retail space, a science centre and an “ecological corridor”.

A joint statement from BCP Council, Dorset Council and Dorset Police said: "Following the decision of the BCP Council’s planning committee, the parties – including Dorset Police – are now dealing with the final legal matters on the sale of the land and it is anticipated that the sale will be completed in the near future."