Dorset-based affordable housing specialist AJC Group completes on a four storey Build to Rent apartment scheme on Wimborne Road in Poole. The £10m development includes 35 one- and two-bedroom apartments.
The Wimborne Road development includes 40 private designated parking spaces, as well as bike storage available for each dwelling. 25 of the apartments benefit from a private balcony or terrace. Homes have been fitted with oak-effect luxury vinyl tile flooring and high-quality Abingdon carpets, to reduce sound transmission. Bathrooms feature contemporary white sanitaryware and ceramic tiling.
Apartments have been built to a EPC B rating, and each have been fitted with an air source water heater to support low-carbon living. There are also eight Electric Vehicle communal charging points available in the private car park for residents.
“This apartment scheme is our fourth in quick succession in Poole, providing much-needed energy-efficient new homes for this highly popular town – which is also where our office is located. Wimborne Road is in a great location and the development promotes a sustainable way of living, as it is within walking distance to lots of shops and local facilities. This highly picturesque coastal town has a wide appeal from those already living in Dorset, as well as people relocating. There are direct trains to London Waterloo, and easy travel to an array of visitor attractions.
“Purpose-built rental schemes offer several advantages and are rapidly increasing in popularity. Each of the 35 new Wimborne Road apartments include high quality furnishings, alongside on-site facilities. The professionally landscaped garden space and communal EV charging points are available to use by all residents.”
David Cracklen, Director, AJC Group
Accessed via Wimborne Road (A35), the 0.66-acre brownfield site was formerly a disused commercial premise. It was allocated for residential development in 2021, helping to meet Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council’s housing needs. Funded by AJC Group and a private investor, the site remediation and construction programme took 18 months to complete.
Located in the Oakdale suburb of Poole, the site runs adjacent to the junction of Wimborne Road (A35), Dorchester Road and Vicarage Road, which leads into Poole town centre. Local amenities include a post office, pharmacy and a GP Surgery. It is also easily accessible to a number of public transport links, including a bus stop within a few minutes’ walk, and Poole train station a mile away. There are frequent local, regional and national services, including journeys to London Waterloo in under 1 hour 50 minutes, and regular trains running through Southampton and Winchester.
90% of the homes have already had a letting agreed, and only two apartments are currently available. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment starts from £1,250pcm
“As soon as these apartments were placed onto the rental market, they were incredibly popular, due to the quality of the accommodation and the sought-after location. This development is ideal for a young professional working in the Dorset area, as the transport links are so good, and the high specification interiors are very smart. It has been a pleasure to work with AJC Group and we look forward to seeing the scheme fully occupied very soon.”
Paul Johnson, Branch Manager at Frost & Co Estate Agents, who is marketing the Wimborne Road development
AJC Group is on track to deliver over 200 mixed-tenure homes during 2023, reflecting a total construction value in excess of £100m. The firm has become one of the most active residential development specialists across the Wessex region.
The company currently has seven schemes under construction, including sites in the villages of Okeford Fitzpaine and Hazelbury Bryan, both near Blandford Forum. Developments on Lindsay Road, The Sloop and Herbert Avenue, are all located in Poole. The company has also recently started construction at one of its largest projects, which will deliver 57 affordable houses and apartments for Aster Group within the former Dorchester Brewery regeneration scheme.
