Poole’s AJC Group has teamed up with Hampshire housing association VIVID to provide 27 affordable homes at the site of the former NHS Becton Centre in Barton-on-Sea.

Planning permission was granted in December 2024 to demolish the vacant mental health facility and replace it with an apartment block of two-bedroom homes along with 40 shared parking spaces.

Despite initial approval as open-market housing, all 27 apartments will now be allocated as affordable homes for local residents via social rent with VIVID.

Construction is set to commence in the coming months.

This marks the first collaboration between AJC Group and VIVID, with the former overseeing construction before handing the project over to the latter.

David Cracklen, director of AJC Group, said: “We’re pleased to have completed the purchase of the Becton Centre site and will be soon ready to begin construction.

“This development will address the significant lack of affordable housing in the New Forest, building on our ongoing efforts with projects in Hythe and Dibden Purlieu.

“It’s a proud moment for us to deliver much-needed homes for the local community, and we look forward to partnering with VIVID on this project.”

Sunita Aujla, land and new business director at VIVID, added: “We’re pleased to support the AJC Group on this important project.

“The new homes will provide much-needed affordable housing for local residents, and we’re committed to making sure our homes are the best they can be.

“Everyone wants a safe, healthy and affordable place to live.”

Situated on The Fairway, the new homes will come with air-source heat pumps, EV chargers and high EPC ratings for energy efficiency.

There will also be landscaped communal gardens and private balconies for select properties.

AJC Group is also working on projects in Broadstone, Dorset and Hythe and Dibden Purlieu, Hampshire.

• ajcgroup.uk
• vividhomes.co.uk