BROADSTONE First School has been chosen to name a new housing development in the area.

AJC Group’s new 33 one- and two-bedroom affordable apartments in Station Approach is to be called Trailway View. 

The selected shortlist included ‘Steamer Court’ by Ava Burley, ‘Alfred’s Place’ by Ted Lee, and finally the winner ‘Trailway View’ by Tabby Morris.  

Two of the names were inspired by the history of the site and the close vicinity to an old railway track and the Castleman Trail.

The other was inspired by eminent scientist Alfred Russel Wallace, who was a close correspondent to Darwin and is buried in Broadstone cemetery. 

AJC Group’s director David Cracklen said: “Broadstone is an area of Poole that is severely lacking affordable housing, and we are proud to be delivering this high quality, energy efficient development, which will benefit multiple people in the local community.  

“New homes like this are desperately needed, with almost no affordable rent accommodation in Broadstone – only 0.2 per cent of homes are allocated as socially rented. 

“Working with the local Broadstone First School to name this development has been great. The children can feel a part of something in their town which will serve many generations to come.” 

Council leader Vikki Slade was at the naming ceremony on June 5 to formally name Trailway View. 

She said: “This site has sat empty for a long time, so it’s wonderful that it is being transformed into affordable homes for local people. 

“Given the recent completion of another project by AJC Group on Herbert Avenue, I am confident that the development will be of the highest quality and I look forward to welcoming the new residents. 

“I am pleased that AJC Group and Abri engaged with local children to shortlist the name of the development and I was delighted to select the name Trailway View.  

“The Castleman Trailway is such an important link for us with Poole, Wimborne and beyond and brings nature into the heart of our community.” 

Sam Stone, director of land and planning at Abri, added: “It’s great to know that children from the local school have helped shape the name of this development and can be part of the legacy that these homes will bring.  

“Abri is passionate about empowering communities and with all the new homes we build, we believe the local community understands what’s best for them, so it’s fitting that the children should be involved in such an influential moment.”