Bellway Wessex has invested over £2.4 million in local education and infrastructure as part of its latest housing developments in Blandford St Mary.

The funds have been allocated as part of the planning agreement for the 350-home project off Bournemouth Road, where Bellway is constructing 207 homes at St Mary’s Hill and 143 at St Mary’s View under its Ashberry Homes brand.

The investment primarily supports education in the nearby town of Blandford Forum, with £2,048,592 directed towards expanding and maintaining local schools.

Additionally, Bellway has contributed £250,000 to the community hall, £90,000 for the North Dorset Trailway link, £40,000 for a new zebra crossing on Bournemouth Road, and £22,500 to create a pedestrian link from the development to the Rosefields area.

Emily Putnam, Sales Manager at Bellway Wessex, said: “The £2.4 million in funding we have provided through the planning agreement represents a significant investment in local services and infrastructure which will benefit new residents and the wider community.”

The St Mary’s Hill and St Mary’s View developments include 269 properties for sale on the open market, with the remaining 81 homes offered as affordable housing through low-cost rent and shared ownership schemes.

To date, 105 homes have been sold at St Mary’s Hill and 81 at St Mary’s View, with construction on both sites expected to be completed by the end of the year.

In addition to the financial contributions, Bellway has also commissioned a wooden sculpture to celebrate the village’s brewing heritage. The oak carving of a cooper, created by Dorset sculptor Lee Dickenson, has become a popular feature at the entrance to St Mary’s Hill.

Emily added: “This wonderful carving is a fine example of how public art can celebrate the heritage of a place and help to instil a sense of local pride and identity, especially among residents who are new to an area.”

For more information about the developments, contact Bellway or Ashberry Homes via their respective websites.