A groundbreaking event has marked the start of construction at Roman Corner off West Walks in central Dorchester. Here, we are delivering 15 new affordable apartments in partnership with local housing association Aster Group and Dorchester Area Community Land Trust (DACLT).
The development has been shaped and led by the local community through the DACLT, ensuring the homes reflect local priorities and meet the needs of young people who live and work in Dorchester. We have been appointed as the principal contractor for the scheme, helping bring the community’s vision to life.
Representatives from AJC Group, Aster Group, DACLT, Dorchester Town Council and Dorset Council gathered on site to celebrate the milestone. The multi-million-pound development will provide 15 one-bedroom apartments, including one accessible apartment, all for social rent, for young local people and workers aged 35 and under, who are increasingly priced out of the private rental market.
Myles Emmanuel, AJC Group Technical Coordinator, said: “Starting on site at West Walks is an important step in delivering much-needed genuinely affordable homes in the heart of Dorchester. We’re pleased to be working with Aster and DACLT on a scheme that carefully balances local housing need with the sensitivity of its historic setting, and we look forward to progressing the build over the coming months.”
Amanda Williams, Aster Group Chief Investment Officer, said: “This project is a powerful example of how community‑led housing can deliver meaningful, lasting impact. By working with DACLT, we’re helping create homes that reflect local priorities and support people who may be struggling to find affordable accommodation.
“For young people in Dorchester in particular, this creates a rare opportunity: long-term, affordable, secure housing that allows them to live independently and sustainably within the community they know and value.”
The apartments at Roman Corner will be built to modern environmental standards, with all hot water supplied by air-source heat pumps to reduce energy use and running costs for residents.
Materials include varied buff bricks, slate roof tiles, aluminium rainwater goods and striking black flush casement windows with Juliet balconies. Bat, swift and bee bricks are also being incorporated within the design to support local biodiversity.
The three-storey building is being constructed on the site of two disused tennis courts off West Walks, opposite Borough Gardens. Located within walking distance of Dorchester town centre and Dorchester West railway station, the scheme offers future residents convenient access to employment, amenities and public transport.
Construction is expected to be completed in summer 2027, when the homes will be handed over to Aster for allocation to eligible local residents.
The project marks another collaboration between AJC Group and Aster Group, building on a growing partnership that includes a wholly affordable scheme at Glue Hill in the village of Sturminster Newton and a development in central Bournemouth.
The partnership forms part of our wider pledge to deliver 500 affordable homes by 2028, reinforcing our commitment to tackling the housing crisis in the Wessex region.