Regeneration work continues apace in christchurch

Aster Homes has been selected as the preferred bidder to transform the 4.74 acre site in Bargates, Christchurch.

Regeneration work is continuing apace in Christchurch, as a major project has reached a key milestone.

The city was devastated by an earthquake in February 2011, the country's second deadliest national disaster. The quake killed 185 people, damaging buildings and infrastructure significantly. Since then, development has been widespread, as the city has reestablished its infrastructure and real estate.

Earlier this year, the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery, Gerry Brownlee, and the Mayor of Christchurch, Lianne Dalziel, established Regenerate Christchurch - a joint entity tasked with overseeing the long term development and enhancement of the Central City, residential red zone, New Brighton and other potential regeneration zones.

"The groundwork has been laid for this regeneration and we are now at a point of being able to take significant steps forward in the development of a truly vibrant region," said Brownlee.

Now, a landmark regeneration scheme in the heart of the area has reached a significant milestone, with the selection of Aster Homes as the preferred bidder to transform the 4.74 acre site in Bargates to a full range of mixed tenure homes, including family houses, commercial units and public space.

Landowners Dorset County Council, Christchurch Borough Council, Dorset Police and Crime Commission and the Hospital of St Mary Magdalene Trust made the decision to select Aster Homes, part of the Aster Group, which has local offices in Poole and Wareham, following a detailed tender process.

The project will improve links between Bargates and Christchurch High Street.

Working alongside the landowners, Aster Homes will carry out "comprehensive public consultation" on its plans for the scheme with local residents and businesses before submitting a planning application.

Amanda Williams, group development director for the Aster Group, Aster Homes' parent company, says: “Our redevelopment concept creates an environment in which people can live, work, shop and play, and it will form a vital and vibrant part of central Christchurch."

Initial groundwork and archaeological investigations are scheduled to take place in October.