The first phase of The Hops, a £23 million development of entirely affordable housing in central Dorchester, is now complete.

Developed by Poole’s AJC Group in partnership with Aster Group, Eldridge Street features 56 energy-efficient homes – a mix of 25 one- and two-bedroom apartments and 31 three- and four-bedroom terrace houses.

They’re available exclusively through Aster Group’s shared ownership scheme.

Formerly a vacant brownfield site, The Hops is AJC Group’s largest development to date and is due for completion this December.

It comes as part of the broader 20-year regeneration of Dorchester town centre.

David Cracklen, director of AJC Group, said: “Dorchester has long faced a shortage of affordable housing, and we’re immensely proud to deliver the first collection of four-bed family homes in Brewery Square.

“These spacious homes meet the need for larger families without compromising on quality or energy efficiency.

“At AJC Group, we’re committed to setting a new precedent for affordable housing – one that we hope will serve as a catalyst for change, inspiring future developments to prioritise both size and sustainability.”

AJC Group is also actively involved in affordable housing initiatives in the New Forest and the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area.

• ajcgroup.uk