Affordable housing developer AJC Group and not-for-profit housing association Abri have officially marked the completion of Trailway View, a new 100% affordable housing development in Broadstone, Poole. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on site to celebrate the delivery of 33 much-needed affordable apartments, transforming a former brownfield site into modern, well-equipped homes for the community.
The event welcomed representatives from AJC Group and Abri, alongside Broadstone Ward Councillor Peter Sidaway, the Headteacher of Broadstone First School and young school council representatives, and the pupils who previously named the development through a competition.
Trailway View is a four-storey development of one- and two-bedroom energy-efficient apartments built on Station Approach. AJC Group acquired the site with full planning consent in early 2024, beginning construction shortly afterwards. In June 2024, Broadstone First School pupils formally named the scheme following a site visit and ceremony, with the chosen name inspired by the nearby Castleman Trailway, a 16.5-mile scenic trail for walking, cycling, and horse riding that follows much of the historic Southampton to Dorchester railway route.
All the 33 apartments will be for affordable rent, set at up to 80 per cent of market rent. Abri has used its own funding alongside grant funding from its strategic partnership with Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency, to make all the homes affordable. The completed development provides essential affordable housing in an area with an acute shortage of such provision.
As Cllr Peter Sidaway highlighted, “It was crucial that this precious piece of land be used for something that would make a real and lasting difference for the Broadstone community”, and he applauded the “bold and thoughtful design” that had gone into the scheme. Describing Trailway View as “a fantastic project to have right in the heart of our community”, he welcomed the positive contribution it makes to the local area, delivering modern, energy-efficient accommodation with secure cycle storage, undercroft parking and excellent access to local services, public transport and surrounding areas.
David Cracklen, Director of AJC Group, said:
“Trailway View represents everything we stand for as a business: transforming underused land into meaningful homes that genuinely meet local need. Broadstone has long suffered from a shortage of affordable rented accommodation, so seeing families soon able to move into this development is a proud moment for our team. It has been a privilege to work with Abri and the local school to bring this scheme to life.”
Sam Stone, Director of Land & Planning at Abri, commented:
“Trailway View is an excellent example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to increasing the supply of affordable homes. We’re grateful to BCP Council and Homes England for their support, and to AJC Group for bringing these homes to life. These homes will provide stability and security, while meeting the long-term needs of the Broadstone community. At Abri, we believe communities know what’s best for them, which is why it was fantastic to involve the local primary school in naming the development. This community-centred approach is central to our ambition to build 10,000 new homes by 2030.”
The completion of Trailway View forms part of AJC Group’s wider commitment to deliver 500 affordable homes by 2028. The Poole-based firm continues to be recognised for its work across the Wessex region, with recent wins including Housebuilder of the Year and Affordable Housing Development of the Year. AJC Group’s Site Manager, Ben Holt, was also recognised for his leadership at Trailway View in this year’s National House Building Council (NHBC) Pride in the Job Awards.
Residents are expected to begin moving into Trailway View from December.