A competition with New Milton Infant School and New Milton Junior School has led to the official naming of our new affordable housing development, with VIVID, in Barton-on-Sea as Montgomerie Rise – a name that pays homage to the area’s rich history.
More than 50 pupils from the schools, located just a mile from the site, took part in the naming competition. Their thoughtful suggestions were shortlisted by Councillor John Adams and Councillor Alan O’Sullivan from New Forest District Council, who selected the top three entries.
Rafferty secured first place with Montgomerie Rise. His entry was inspired by the Domesday Book, which records Barton-on-Sea as Bermintune and Burmintine, both manors once held by Roger de Montgomerie in 1086. Zack achieved second place with Barton Breeze, and Carmi placed third with Sunny View.
To celebrate the pupils’ creativity, Daragh Keane, Site Manager at AJC Group, and Claire Swaffield, Project Manager at VIVID, visited the school to present certificates and vouchers to Rafferty, Zack, and Carmi.
The new name will now take pride of place at our development, which is transforming the former NHS Becton Centre site into 27 much-needed affordable homes for the Barton-on-Sea community.
Mrs Rachel Pilley, Deputy Headteacher at New Milton Infant School, commented: “Our children loved being part of something so connected to their local area. They really enjoyed learning about Barton-on-Sea’s history, as well as thinking about what makes it special today. Rafferty’s thoughtful idea showed great imagination and a genuine link to our community’s heritage.”
David Cracklen, Director at AJC Group, said: “Rafferty’s idea captured the spirit of Barton-on-Sea perfectly – linking its past with its future. We’re proud to work with schools and residents to create developments that truly belong to the communities we build in.”
Tristan Samuels, Group Development and New Business Director at VIVID, added: “We’re pleased to be working with AJC Group to bring much-needed affordable homes to Barton-on-Sea. It’s fantastic to see the local community, especially pupils from New Milton Infant School, play a part in the development. Montgomerie Rise is a great choice and reflects the history of the area.”
Construction of Montgomerie Rise is on target and progressing well, with superstructure works underway and internal works set to begin in January. Completion of the 27-apartment scheme is due in summer 2026.
The development will provide a mix of energy-efficient two-bedroom apartments, available for affordable rent and shared ownership with Hampshire’s largest and not-for-profit affordable homes provider, VIVID, helping to meet the growing local housing need across the New Forest district.
For more information about our current projects, click here.