A groundbreaking ceremony has marked the start of work to deliver much-needed new homes, community facilities and improved public spaces in Boscombe, a coastal suburb of Bournemouth.
Contractor AJC Group hosted councillors and community representatives who gathered at Hawkwood Road to break ground, celebrating years of shared work to bring the project to this stage.
The nine-hectare development will deliver new community facilities, public spaces and council-owned homes as part of a wider regeneration programme supported by UK Government funding, including investment through the Towns Fund. This includes £13.2 million from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and £9.6 million from Homes England towards the delivery of 68 new council-owned homes.
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This is the largest project in Boscombe’s Towns Fund programme and will play a central role in creating a stronger, more connected community, giving people better access to homes, services and shared spaces.
The scheme will be delivered in two phases by Poole-based AJC Group on behalf of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, bringing forward a new community hub, improved public spaces and 68 council-owned homes alongside new commercial opportunities.
David Cracklen, Director at AJC Group, said: “It’s fantastic to see work now underway on this significant project for Boscombe. Reaching this stage reflects the hard work of everyone involved, and our focus is now on delivering the first phase safely, efficiently and to a high standard.
“As a Dorset-based contractor, we’re committed to using local suppliers and trades wherever possible, helping support local businesses, jobs and long-term benefits for the area.
“Residents will start to see real progress on site over the coming months as the new community facilities take shape, and we look forward to continuing our work with BCP Council to bring this important scheme to life.”
Councillor Kieron Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services at BCP Council, said: “This is an important step forward for Boscombe and shows the momentum behind the wider regeneration of the area.
“This is where long-term plans start to become real change for residents, with new homes, better community spaces and improved local facilities. Our focus is on creating a neighbourhood that works better for the people who live here, both now and in the future.”
Phase one includes a new two-storey community centre, retail kiosks, public realm improvements and a new pedestrian link.
Phase two will deliver 68 council-owned homes, alongside commercial space, a public park and supporting infrastructure.
New landscaped areas, including a pocket park, will provide high-quality green spaces shaped by community feedback.
With construction now underway, AJC Group will continue to focus on site preparation and infrastructure ahead of the first phase.
