Poole-based affordable housing specialist AJC Group has announced a major progress update on its company mission to build ‘500 in 5’; 500 homes for social housing in five years. The company has revealed that 328 homes have now been delivered or are under construction, with a further 260 expected for 2026 – proving this SME housebuilder’s ability to deliver on its ambitious pledge!
The ‘500 in 5’ initiative, launched by the Dorset housebuilder in January 2023 to tackle the region’s critical shortage of genuinely affordable homes, has now reached a pivotal moment. Now halfway through its five-year target, AJC Group has completed six developments, with five more currently under construction. A further four schemes are also scheduled to commence in 2026.
All homes delivered under this initiative are exclusively for affordable and social rent, or shared ownership, aimed at supporting local people who are priced out of the private market.
To date, 181 homes have been completed and handed over across six developments: Lindsay Oaks in Poole, Okeford Fitzpaine in Blandford Forum, Handley Cross in Hazelbury Bryan, Herbert Avenue in Poole, Brewery Square in Dorchester, and the affordable portion of The Sloop, in the heart of Poole town centre. These homes have been delivered in partnership with Abri, Aster Group, BCP Council and Stonewater.
A further 147 homes are currently under construction across five live sites: Trailway View at Goods Yard in Broadstone, Poole, the former NHS Becton Centre in Barton-on-Sea, Orchard Gate in Dibden Purlieu, the former Hospital in Hythe and the former Buzz Bingo Hall in central Bournemouth. These are being delivered in collaboration with housing providers including Abri, VIVID, Aster Group, and New Forest District Council.
In addition, four new sites are confirmed to start later this year, or in 2026. These upcoming schemes include projects in Bournemouth, Sturminster Newton, and Dorchester. Broadening its reach, the company is also set to deliver its first scheme in Eastleigh, Hampshire. Together, these developments will provide a further 260 affordable homes.
David Cracklen, Director of AJC Group, said:
“When we first launched our 500 in 5 pledge, we knew it would be a huge challenge. Now, with 328 homes built, under construction or secured for delivery – and another 260 in the pipeline – we’ve not just stayed on course, we’ve exceeded it. That’s 588 homes, and every single one for social or affordable housing.
“These aren’t generic housing numbers. These are real homes for real people who otherwise would not be able to afford to rent or buy in the communities they grew up in.
“But we’re not slowing down or taking our foot off the pedal! We are actively calling on landowners, agents, and surveyors … if you have a site that could support critically needed affordable homes, contact us. We want to complete this mission with urgency and purpose, and with the same level of quality, sustainability and partnership that’s defined every project we’ve done so far.”
AJC Group’s commitment to affordable housing has earned industry recognition, including two shortlists for this year’s South Coast Property Awards and wins for Housebuilder of the Year and Residential Development of the Year in 2024.
In addition to delivering several 100% affordable housing schemes, some of the developments have included notable firsts – including a specialist housing scheme supporting the homeless at Herbert Avenue, the first major high-tech underground bin system built at The Sloop in Poole, fully concealed below street level, and the first four-bedroom affordable homes in Brewery Square, Dorchester.
To find out more about AJC Group, visit www.ajcgroup.uk.