The project, being delivered in partnership with Aster Group, will see the transformation of the former Malthouse and Draymasters Brewery into 57 affordable homes — 32 three- and four-bedroom houses and 25 apartments.

All the residential properties will be built to achieve a high B EPC rating, and will have access to electric vehicle charging points throughout the site.

There will also be parking available for every dwelling, including secure undercroft parking for the 25 apartments.

This is AJC Group’s second live development within Dorset undertaken in partnership with Aster Group — the two firms are also working on a residential scheme in Okeford Fitzpaine, which will deliver eight homes for social rent and 19 homes through shared ownership.

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David Cracklen, director at AJC Group, said: “We are really looking forward to progressing with the remediation and construction work at this historic site, as there is a desperate need for affordable housing across Dorchester. 

“It is also a privilege to be delivering the first four-bedroom houses within Brewery Square, which has been a 20-year large scale transformation project to revitalise the town centre.

“The well-appointed new homes will benefit from easy access to an array of quality amenities; the development also runs adjacent to Dorchester South station, which offers regular services to the nearby towns, cities and beyond, encouraging residents to adopt more sustainable forms of transport.”

Amanda Williams, chief investment officer at Aster, said: “It is exciting to once again be working alongside AJC Group on what is now our second collaboration in as many years. 

“Property prices in this sought-after town are usually very high and so these sensitively designed affordable houses and apartments will make a real difference for local people, helping to strengthen the community, and adding to the vibrancy of the wider Brewery Square development. 

“We’re dedicated to supporting communities and we’re aiming to deliver around 11,200 new homes by 2030.”