Wimborne residents move into first phase of new affordable homes

A group of local residents have moved into the first phase of new affordable homes in Wimborne, thanks to a partnership created between housing association, Aster Group and housebuilder, Wyatt Homes.

The move comes after Aster and Wyatt agreed to relocate residents from Aster’s existing 50 year-old affordable homes at Cuthbury Close, as part of the wider redevelopment of the area known as Rivers Edge.

Wyatt Homes has provided eight new affordable homes, with six of the existing Aster customers living at Cuthbury Close having now moved into their new properties. A further 11 households will move in the second phase, with these homes due for completion in Winter 2021.

The mixture of flats and houses have provided Aster’s customers with brand new, high-quality homes. Moreover, Wyatt Homes will also build a further 60 affordable homes on the site for Aster, bringing the total number of affordable homes at Rivers Edge to 79.

Amanda Williams, Group development director at Aster Group, said: “It is fantastic to see the first of our existing residents in their new homes. The patience they have exhibited throughout the design and development stage is testament to them and I wish them all the very best. The new affordable homes at phase one of Rivers Edge is the result of a great working relationship between Aster, Wyatt Homes and Dorset Council.”

David Wyatt, managing director of Wyatt Homes, added: “We are delighted to hand over the first phase of new homes to Aster and are pleased that residents will now benefit from the higher design and building standards that make our new homes more comfortable and efficient to heat. We look forward to completing further phases towards the end of this year.”

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Dorset Council portfolio holder for housing, said: “We are very happy to see the first properties on this development being completed. It is particularly welcome that this has given the current tenants of Cuthbury Close an opportunity to move into new, high quality homes.”