A COUNCIL housing scheme providing temporary accommodation to the homeless has won an affordable housing award.
A development by BCP Council, and delivered by Poole-based AJC Group, received the Affordable Housing Development of the Year accolade at the Insider South West Property Awards.
Due for completion in autumn, the site is on the former Bourne Valley Community Centre in Herbert Avenue and will provide 24 energy efficient apartments.
Intended to be a suitable stepping-stone between hostels and independent living, the scheme will provide shelter for the homeless.
The judges chose this development due to the social impact of the scheme, tackling homelessness in a challenging area of the region while providing strong eco and accessible credentials.
These credentials include a low carbon footprint due to the Passivehaus certification, ensuring rigorous energy efficient design standards and bat and bird boxes which have been installed.
The development was also shortlisted in the Sustainable Development of the Year category in last week’s South Coast Property Awards.
Read more: Work starts on housing project in Herbert Avenue, Poole
David Cracklen, director of AJC Group, said he is “delighted” to have won the award, adding it is a “shining example of what partnership working can deliver”.
“This trailblazing development for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has been designed locally, and is being constructed by our local supply chain,” he added.
“And, as soon as the new homes are handed over, they will be occupied by local people.
“With Poole and Sandbanks being such a tourist hotspot, the need for ‘move on’ accommodation might not be at the forefront of everyone’s minds. However, the high cost of living here is why this scheme on Herbert Avenue is so vital.
Read more: Poole council homes scheme delayed by soaring costs
“As a specialist in affordable housing, this eco-focused scheme is central to our core social values of building communities and delivering lasting change.
“We are very proud to be working on a project that will make a real difference to local people and the local economy.”
Councillor Kieron Wilson, portfolio holder for housing and regulatory services, said the development is “important” to ending homelessness.
“Helping people off the streets and into a safe place that they can call home is something we’re all very passionate about,” he said.
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