Work has started on a development of new affordable homes on the site of the Blandford Brewery.

Southampton based developers Drew Smith, part of Vistry Partnerships, has teamed up with housing provider Stonewater to build 21 high quality homes for social rent and shared ownership in the market town of Blandford.

The apartments and houses are part of Brewery Place, the first phase of a planned wider 180-home development on the former Hall & Woodhouse brewery site off Bournemouth Road.

Following the delivery of the first phase, Brewery Place will include another 42 properties for market sale delivered by Drew Smith, due to be completed between May 2022 and January 2023.

Leanne Smith, of Drew Smith, said: “We are delighted to be facilitating the delivery of affordable homes on this important heritage site in Blandford, alongside trusted housing association partner Stonewater.

“Despite the lack of formal obligation to provide affordable housing on the site, we are fulfilling our partnerships commitment and will be providing 21 much-needed affordable homes for the local community.”

Matt Crucefix, of Stonewater, said: “We are thrilled to be working for the first time with Drew Smith on this exciting scheme.

“Dorset Council has been very supportive, and we are pleased that the number of affordable homes being built will be more than had been originally planned.

“Not only will the scheme transform this brownfield site, creating an attractive development, but it will help meet the need for affordable homes in this highly desirable area.”

The affordable homes will comprise of two one-bedroom flats and 12 two-bedroom flats for social rent, plus seven three-bedroom houses for shared ownership.