WORK to build almost 170 new homes at the former Christchurch police station is set to begin this autumn.
Plans for the new neighbourhood, in Bargates, Christchurch were first approved over three years ago but delayed due to ongoing legal issues.
The plans were approved in February 2020 but faced opposition from a resident who claimed the plans were “unlawful”.
Aster Group is now expected to ‘break ground’ at the former police station and magistrates court later this year with the first homes set to be completed by late 2024.
Once completed the site will include 23 homes for affordable rent and 30 homes to buy through affordable ownership schemes.
The scheme will consist of shared ownership and discounted starter homes with the aim to provide houses for local people.
The neighbourhood will also contain 77 homes and 39 retirement properties to buy on the open market.
READ MORE: Legal issues delay plans for Christchurch Police Station
READ MORE: Homes plan for Christchurch police station site approved
Flats will consist of one and two bedrooms, and houses will range from two to five bedrooms.
Alongside gardens and communal landscaping, 185 parking spaces will be created for residents.
A new road will be built to connect Bargates and Barrack Road, to offer both vehicle access for residents and a through route for pedestrians and cyclists.
Amanda Williams, chief investment officer at Aster Group, said: “We’re delighted to be making a start at Bargates soon and transforming the site into much-needed new homes for the Christchurch community.
“Bargates has been almost 10 years in the making and like a lot of coastal areas, there’s a distinct lack of homes available for local people and we hope that in providing a range of tenancies we’ll be helping to plug some of the gap.
“We’re confident in our construction partner, Countryside Partnerships’ ability to build quality new homes that will respect the surroundings and the conservation area, creating a thriving neighbourhood that will support the long-term prosperity of the town.”
The development will also support the Christchurch community by contributing over £1m towards education, highways and public spaces.
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