Development begins at old Arts Centre Site!

Pictured L to R: Cllr Gerald Duke, West Dorset DC; Mike Soper, EBHT Board; Kevin Hodder; Wendy Carmichael, Dorset CC Commissioning Officer, Paul Derrien, Housing Enabling Team Leader, West Dorset DC and Steve Cooke, Cooke Construction.

Thanks to funding from the NHS Housing and Technology Fund and from West Dorset District Council, work on the development of five new homes for people with learning disabilities has started in Dorchester. 

East Boro Housing Trust is celebrating start on site at School Lane, Dorchester, development, which will see the Old Arts Centre remodelled into 2 houses and the development of three bungalows. They will become homes for local people with learning disabilities, where necessary care and support can be tailored to meet the needs of each individual.

The Trust is working closely with West Dorset District Council’s housing team on this development.

Cllr Gerald Duke, who is West Dorset District Council ward councillor, said: “This is an important development which will make a real difference to lives of local people. It will transform a town centre site and breathe new life into a building which was much loved as the former Dorchester Arts Centre. We’re very pleased to be working with East Boro Housing Trust who will provide supported accommodation for local people, and to be able to support the project through Section 106 funds contributed for the provision of affordable housing from other developments in the area. I look forward to the seeing the scheme take shape and the first residents moving in.”

Cllr Tim Yarker, who is West Dorset District Council portfolio holder for housing, said: “This scheme is one of a number of developments which we are encouraging through our Opening Doors housing programme, to provide much needed affordable homes for local people. Anyone who is interested in buying or renting a new home of any type should sign up to the Opening Doors Home Ownership Register to find out more.”

The Trust is already working with the Adult Social Care team at Dorset County Council to select the first tenants for the scheme. 

Date Posted: Tuesday 19th March 2019 @ 10:04