Groundbreaking event marks start of affordable homes in central Dorchester

A groundbreaking event has marked the start of construction at West Walks in central Dorchester, where local housing association Aster Group is delivering 15 new affordable apartments in partnership with Dorchester Area Community Land Trust (DACLT). The development has been shaped and led by the local community through the CLT, ensuring the homes reflect local priorities and meet the needs of young people who live and work in Dorchester.  AJC Group has been appointed as the principal contractor for the scheme, helping bring the community’s vision to life.

Representatives from AJC Group, Aster Group, DACLT, Dorchester Town Council and Dorset Council gathered on site to celebrate the milestone. The development will provide 15 one-bedroom apartments, all for social rent, aimed at supporting young local people and workers, up to the age of 35, who are increasingly priced out of the private rental market.

Michael Young, Construction Director at AJC Group, said: “Starting on site at West Walks is an important step in delivering much-needed genuinely affordable homes in the heart of Dorchester. We’re pleased to be working with Aster and DACLT on a scheme that carefully balances local housing need with the sensitivity of its historic setting, and we look forward to progressing the build over the coming months.”

Amanda Williams, Aster Group Chief Investment Officer, said: “This project is a powerful example of how community‑led housing can deliver meaningful, lasting impact. By working with DACLT, we’re helping create homes that reflect local priorities and support people who may be struggling to find affordable accommodation.

“For young people in Dorchester in particular, this creates a rare opportunity: long-term, affordable, secure housing that allows them to live independently and sustainably within the community they know and value.”

The apartments will be built to modern environmental standards, with all hot water provided by air source heat pumps to reduce energy use and running costs for residents.

The three-storey building is being constructed on the site of two disused tennis courts off West Walks, opposite Borough Gardens. Located within walking distance of Dorchester town centre and Dorchester West railway station, the scheme offers future residents convenient access to employment, amenities and public transport.

Construction is expected to be completed in summer 2027, when the homes will be handed over to Aster for allocation to eligible local residents.

The project marks another collaboration between AJC Group and Aster Group, building on a growing partnership that includes the recently commenced wholly affordable scheme at Glue Hill in the village of Sturminster Newton and a development in central Bournemouth. The partnership forms part of AJC Group’s wider pledge to deliver 500 affordable homes by 2028, reinforcing its commitment to tackling the housing crisis in the Wessex region.