Poole: Building work starts on new £8m housing project

Hillbourne housing development off Kitchener Crescent in Waterloo estate will provide 40 two-bedroom homes, 41 three-bedroom homes and an independent living apartment with 29 one-bedroom flats. 

The homes will be a combination of social rent and shared ownership and will be built around the new Hillbourne Junior School.   

Designed with modern living in mind, the scheme will deliver high-quality, low carbon and energy-efficient homes. 

Construction work has started on 110 sustainable and affordable homes at Hillbourne in Poole (Image: BCP Council)

Funded from a £7.84m grant from the government’s Homes England, the scheme is predicted to deliver £24m of social value in terms of employment, training and development opportunities. 

Thirteen new apprenticeship roles are to be created for residents. 

As well as economic benefits, the scheme will see 61 new trees planted along with 200 metres of native hedging, a wildlife pond and bat boxes, according to BCP Council. 

Parking will be provided for residents as well as a layout design to provide passive surveillance and a communal area for families with young children to meet friends and neighbours.  

BCP’s cabinet member for housing Kieron Wilson said: “The Hillbourne scheme is great news for the residents of Poole and the wider conurbation.   

“I am delighted that the scheme has now progressed to the construction phase and that we are expecting work to be completed by the summer of 2026.  

Diggers at the site in Waterloo estate (Image: BCP Council)

“Homes England made a much-welcomed contribution to a project which is a key part of our new build strategy.    

“This site is a huge part of our continued vision to provide good quality homes that are sustainable and affordable for all our residents.”    

Wates Residential Construction, the firm building the homes for the council, has said it will generate £6m of spend and work opportunities for small and medium sized enterprises. 

And 60 hours of the company’s time has been committed to supporting the surrounding community, voluntary organisations and charities.    

Barry Williams, project director of Wates Residential Construction, added: "This scheme exemplifies our joint commitment to creating sustainable communities and providing homes that meet the needs of residents both now and in the future - reducing energy bills and supporting local supply chains."