Bournemouth’s former Buzz Bingo site begins transformation into affordable homes hub - with new family houses returning to the town centre after decades -

Aster Group and AJC Group have officially broken ground at the former Buzz Bingo site in Bournemouth, marking the start of construction for a landmark development of affordable homes in the coastal town centre. The scheme will deliver the first new-build family houses with gardens in Bournemouth centre for decades, along with a community urban allotment.

The ceremony, held on-site, welcomed representatives from both organisations alongside subcontractors, key stakeholders and local figure, Jessica Toale, Labour MP for Bournemouth West.

The transformation of this long-vacant brownfield site off Christchurch Road will bring 40 energy-efficient homes to the heart of Bournemouth, to include 32 incredibly rare three-bedroom family mews houses and a small block of eight one-bed apartments.

AJC Group originally obtained planning for an open-market scheme, but now every single home will be delivered for affordable rent in partnership with Aster Group and through BCP Council’s Homechoice scheme. The homes will help to address Bournemouth’s acute affordability crisis, where average house prices are nearly 10 times local incomes.*

Designed with community and sustainability at their heart, the mews-style streets will feature tree planting, shared green spaces, and a new community allotment where neighbours can connect. Every house will include a private garden or balcony, dedicated parking, and be powered by modern air source heat pumps. The all-electric homes will be built to the latest energy efficiency standards to lower energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions.

Jessica Toale, Labour MP for Bournemouth West, said: “It’s fantastic to see new family houses and apartments being built in the heart of Bournemouth town centre. If we want to unlock the future of Bournemouth and to revive the town, it’s vital that we create a vibrant and diverse choice of places to live. Residents are at the heart of its success, and developments like this are crucial to delivering that real change.”

David Cracklen, Director of AJC Group, added: “Breaking ground here is hugely symbolic. These are the first family houses to be built in Bournemouth town centre for over three decades, and they couldn’t come at a more critical time. For years, families have been priced out of the area, and the wait for genuinely affordable homes has been too long. We are proud to be creating new family houses in partnership with Aster, just a stone’s throw from the beach, on a site that has stood derelict for many years. This is about restoring family life back into the heart of Bournemouth.”

Amanda Williams, Chief Investment Officer at Aster Group, added: “We’re thrilled to see work begin on this development of 100% new affordable homes, transforming a previously disused site into a vibrant part of the community. These homes will make a meaningful difference to people in Bournemouth — providing sustainable, high-quality housing in a central, well-connected location. Our vision is that everyone has a place to call home, and today marks a significant step towards making that vision a reality.”

The project builds on AJC and Aster’s successful collaborations in Dorchester and the New Forest. AJC Group has pledged to deliver 500 affordable homes by 2028, reinforcing its commitment to tackling the region’s housing crisis.

The first homes are expected to be ready in Autumn 2027. * See plumplot data: https://www.plumplot.co.uk/Bournemouth-house-prices.html