AFFORDABLE housing provider AJC Group has scooped two awards at this year’s South Coast Property Awards.  

The Poole-based firm has claimed top prize for ‘housebuilder of the year’ and ‘residential development of the year’ for its apartment scheme The Sloop in Commercial Road, Poole. 

Held at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton on Thursday, June 6 the event celebrated excellence in commercial property across the south coast. 

AJC Group’s director David Cracklen said: “We are absolutely delighted to have picked up two awards at this year’s South Coast Property Awards, being recognised for our efforts across the business as well as for our The Sloop development.  

“This is a challenging time for the property industry and these award wins really highlight the ongoing support and hard work of all of our team members, as well as our suppliers, and external stakeholders who have worked with us.  

“We would not have been able to achieve what we have done in the past year without all those involved. 

“The team had a wonderful time celebrating and we want to congratulate all of the other winners named on the night and all those shortlisted.” 

Natalie Gomez, client relations manager, and Hannah Bentley operations manager at AJC Group, said the firm is “very community focussed”. 

They both said: “As part of connecting to these communities we reach out to local schools, hospitals and organisations.  

“For example, local school children took part in a competition to choose the name of a development, which gave them a sense of ownership to it.  

“We try where possible to help create awareness for local charities by fundraising for causes related to housing.” 

The projects recognised in the ‘housebuilder of the year’ entry include the Herbert Avenue homes and The Sloop. 

Herbert Avenue, in Poole, was completed in November 2023 and provides 24 ‘move on’ homes for those seeking suitable temporary accommodation. 

In full partnership with BCP Council, the scheme achieved Passiv-haus accreditation, ensuring the highest levels of energy efficiency and thermal performance. 

Meanwhile The Sloop won ‘residential development of the year’ and is AJC Group’s largest development to date.  

Nearing completion, it provides 86 apartments across six floors, for both private sale and for rent, with a host of energy-efficient and high-tech extras.