Work on major 118-flat block in Poole town centre to start

Fortitudo Ltd will build an eight-storey block of 118 one and two-bedroom apartments at the corner plot of Longfleet Road and Parkstone Road after permission was granted in May this year.

The 118 apartments approved are in the form of 91 one-bed and 27 two-bed units.

An underground car park is also planned for the site, providing 69 parking spaces (including two disabled bays) and 152 cycle parking spaces – with additional 12 cycle spaces for visitors on the site’s surface.

The site was formerly home to Trethowans Solicitors and some early demolition work of the existing buildings has started.

Flat block plan for the corner of Parkstone Road and Longfleet Road in Poole. (Image: Fortitudo/Arc Architecture)

Demolition of the existing buildings on the site was approved in November 2020 under a prior notification procedure, which establishes the council’s acceptance of their loss, and that they do not merit preservation on heritage or other grounds.

Presently, the now-unoccupied buildings still stand. Some preliminary demolition work, however, has started and an excavator is on site.

Fortitudo chief executive Richard Carr previously said the development would provide starter homes in the Help to Buy category.

Originally submitted plans were for 122 homes, however this was reduced slightly following feedback.

The plan received a mixture of positive and negative comments from residents.

The corner plot of Longfleet Road and Parkstone Road in Poole town centre (Image: Newsquest)

Resident Dean Moore said: “The height of the proposed development is going to make this an eyesore with the low-level buildings in the surrounding area. It's all about profit, not designing it to fit in with surrounding structures.”

Emily Richardson said: “This is an attractive looking development with a brilliant architectural design. Very convenient location for staff that work at the hospital.”

When BCP Council approved the plans earlier this year, they said: “No development shall commence on site until details of the landscaping have been submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority.”

On October 27, Fortitudo submitted its reserved matters application for the landscaping of the site. Following its expected approval, construction can commence.

Mr Carr told the Echo it is hoped for primary construction to begin in March next year and last around 18 months.