AJC Group have turned to local schoolchildren for help in naming their new residential development at Station Way in Broadstone, built in partnership with Abri.

The winning suggestion came from Tabby Morris of Broadstone First School with ‘Trailway View’ – inspired by the site’s close proximity to the Castleman Trailway, which closely follows the old Southampton to Dorchester railway line.

Other shortlisted entries included ‘Steamer Court’ from Ava Burley, also named after the old railway, and ‘Alfred’s Place’ from Ted Lee, after naturalist and explorer Alfred Russel Wallace who’s buried in Broadstone Cemetery.

The naming ceremony for the development took place on 5 June, with representatives from AJC Group, Abri and BCP Council all in attendance.

Ben Peddie, construction director at AJC Group, and Sam Stone, director of land and planning at Abri, gave speeches to mark the occasion, while Cllr Vikki Slade presented a certificate and gift voucher to the children whose name suggestions were shortlisted.

“I’m delighted to be asked to formally name the new development”, said Cllr Slade.

“This site has sat empty for a long time, so it’s wonderful that it’s being transformed into affordable homes for local people.

“Given the recent completion of another project by AJC Group on Herbert Avenue, I’m confident that the development will be of the highest quality, and I look forward to welcoming the new residents.

“I’m pleased that AJC Group and Abri engaged with local children to shortlist the name of the development and I was delighted to select the name Trailway View.

“The Castleman Trailway is such an important link for us with Poole, Wimborne and beyond, and brings nature into the heart of our community.”

Trailway View will deliver 33 one- and two-bedroom apartments, all available at an affordable rent.

It’s a four-storey scheme built on a brownfield site previously used for car parking.

David Cracklen, director of AJC Group, said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Abri again to deliver this 100 per cent affordable housing development.

“Broadstone is an area of Poole that is severely lacking affordable housing, and we’re proud to be delivering this high quality, energy efficient development, which will benefit multiple people in the local community.

“New homes like this are desperately needed, with almost no affordable rent accommodation in Broadstone – only 0.2 per cent of homes are allocated as socially rented.

“Working with the local Broadstone First School to name this development has been great.

“The children can feel a part of something in their town which will serve many generations to come.”

Sam Stone of Abri added: “It’s great to know that children from the local school have helped shape the name of this development and can be part of the legacy that these homes will bring.

“Abri is passionate about empowering communities and with all the new homes we build.

“We believe the local community understands what’s best for them, so it’s fitting that the children should be involved in such an influential moment.

“We’re especially grateful for the collaboration that is making these homes possible.

“Working with AJC Group, we’re helping to unlock the potential of a former brownfield site into new affordable homes, which will be of real benefit for the community.”

• ajcgroup.uk

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