A FORMER world-renowned racing pigeon centre has been transformed into bungalows and flats as Dorset Council looks to breathe life back into landmark sites across the county.

The site in Chickerell, formerly home to Ponderosa UK Stud, now offers 19 affordable rent homes, made up of one, two and three-bed bungalows and flats, for people that have a connection to Dorset and allocated through the housing register.

The new development honours the legacy of Mary Bartlett and her family who ran the Stud for over 40 years, by repurposing the land and removing large areas of tarmac to create communal and private gardens and creating green spaces for residents to enjoy.

Councillor Gill Taylor, cabinet member for health and housing, said these Aster sites are an example of how the council can shape a future “where Dorset’s heritage and housing needs go hand in hand”.

Amanda Williams, Aster Group’s chief investment officer said: “It gives local families the chance to stay close to their roots, access quality homes, and enjoy the benefits of a well-connected neighbourhood.”

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And its not the only site that the council have revamped, with part of the historic Eldridge Pope Brewery, once the town’s largest employer, now transformed into The Hops, a vibrant new development offering affordable homes for local families.

Developed by Aster, in partnership with AJC Group, The Hops is part of Dorchester and Brewery Square’s ’s long-term regeneration plans.

The Malthouse block includes 25 homes, with 10 affordable rent flats already occupied by residents with strong local ties. The remaining 15 shared ownership homes have welcomed families connected through residency or employment.

To meet demand for larger homes, the rest of The Hops comprises of two three-bedroom houses and 29 four-bedroom townhouses.

Currently 17 families have made their homes in the four-bedroom townhouses and two additional households settled in the three-bedroom homes.

Amanda Williams added: “Dorchester has long faced a shortage of affordable housing. We’re proud to deliver spacious, energy-efficient homes that meet the needs of local families without compromising on quality.

“With house prices generally higher in Dorset, the shared ownership homes at The Hops provide an accessible way to secure a home with a smaller deposit and long-term security that you don’t often get through renting.

“The Hops offers easy access to local amenities, all while preserving the site’s rich history.”

In the last financial year (2024/25), Aster delivered 131 homes across Dorset and has a pipeline of a further 450.

This includes developments at Ponderosa, The Hops, Portland CLT, Romans Quarter in Gillingham, Crown Lane and Durbeyfield Park in Marnhull, and Poundbury.