A major regeneration project in Dorchester has hit a key milestone with the confirmation of permitted development rights.

RTI Estates Ltd, part of Dorchester-based Redtale Holdings, is set to move forward with the next phase of transforming Vespasian House, a landmark office building at the top of the town, into 37 apartments.

This £11 million project will be the first open-market build-to-rent (BTR) residential scheme in South Dorset.

The development will feature a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom flats, including penthouse apartments, offering high-quality, flexible rental options.

The project is part of the ongoing regeneration of Dorchester’s historic Barrack Quarter, an area rich in history and now set for modern living.

Malcolm Curtis, Chief Executive of RTI, emphasised the significance of this milestone: “This is a major step forward in our plans to provide much-needed rental homes in the area.

“It will enhance the local housing stock and support the growth of Dorchester’s economy, while preserving the heritage of this iconic building.”

The build-to-rent model, which focuses on providing rental properties directly managed by the developer, is designed to offer secure, long-term accommodation with flexible lease options.

Vespasian House’s conversion will also incorporate sustainable design features, including low and zero-carbon technologies.

This project is not the first of its kind for RTI, which has already completed a £2.4 million development in the Barrack Quarter, providing key worker apartments for NHS staff.

The company has also previously converted other historic buildings in the area into residential properties, further contributing to the town’s ongoing transformation.

With Vespasian House currently serving as office space for the NHS, plans are in place to relocate these services, making way for the new residential development.

The project aligns with national trends, where permitted development rights have led to over 100,000 new homes in England since 2015.

For more details, visit Redtale Group’s website.