AJC group has been shortlisted in the 2023 Inside Housing Development Awards for the Best Affordable Housing Development category with its Herbert Avenue scheme in Poole, which is being delivered in partnership with Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) Council. The awards are run by Ocean Media Group and celebrate the very best teams, schemes and solutions in the residential property sector that have made a positive impact in communities across the UK.
Each year, the awards are judged by an esteemed panel of experts representing all aspects of the industry. This year there are 19 categories including best partnership, best regeneration project, best development, best build-to-rent and best affordable housing development, with different category groups for the size and value of the schemes nominated. The award ceremony will take place on Friday 29th September at the Royal Lancaster in London.
This shortlisting builds on AJC Group’s increasing success and recognition in the industry with a series of award wins recently secured. Herbert Avenue was awarded Affordable Housing Development of the Year at this year’s Insider South West Property Awards.
Herbert Avenue is a £3.5 million development project located on the former site of Bourne Valley Community Centre. Commissioned by BCP Council, the purpose-designed eco-buildings will create 23 ‘move-on’ homes and provide much needed homes for local residents who are currently homeless or require ‘move on’ accommodation. The development has been carefully designed and meticulously built to meet Passivhaus negligible energy demand principles, helping to reduce fuel poverty.
David Cracklen, Director of AJC Group, said: “We’re really pleased that our Herbert Avenue scheme has been shortlisted for a national award! As a specialist in affordable housing, this highly energy-efficient scheme is central to our core social values of building communities and delivering lasting change. It’s fantastic to be working collaboratively with BCP Council on a project that will make a real difference to local people and the local economy.
“We have worked hard and committed all resources to ensure this project is completed to schedule and that it will meet its Passivhaus requirements, including introducing additional testing at crucial stages of the build. The project is scheduled to complete this autumn, ready for occupations, and this on schedule completion is testament to the meticulous approach and dedication of the team on-site.
“With Herbert Avenue due to be handed over in time for the Inside Housing Development Awards ceremony, we’re looking forward to the event where we can celebrate completion of the scheme, out shortlisting, and hopefully another award win!”
AJC Group is committed to reducing homelessness in the Wessex region, with a pledge to build 500 new affordable homes by 2028. The team is also supporting those in need with thousands of pounds raised each year for local homelessness charities. Earlier this year, the firm completed the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge, raising £7,000 for Bournemouth-based Hope Housing, Training and Support.
Six sites are currently under construction by AJC Group, including a development in the village of Okeford Fitzpaine near Blandford Forum in rural Dorset. Live projects on Lindsay Road, The Sloop, and Herbert Avenue, are all located in Poole, while The Sonnet apartment scheme is in Bournemouth. The firm has also recently started construction at one of its largest projects, which will deliver 57 affordable houses and apartments for Aster Group within the former Dorchester Brewery regeneration scheme.