Oak House
Key worker accommodation
Thank you for visiting our page to learn more about proposals to develop new key worker accommodation on the southern end of Poundbury Road, at the southern exit of Miller’s Close. This webpage is a place to view plans, learn more about the need for the new development and to keep up to date with progress on the project.
Thank you for taking the time to find out about proposals to develop new key worker accommodation on the southern end of Poundbury Road, at the southern exit of Miller’s Close.
The project is being led by specialist health and care developer Prime. Prime is a specialist developer of health and care property, working across the country, but may be recognised locally for our delivery of the new multi-storey car park at Dorset County Hospital.
With our expertise in creating spaces that foster collective well-being and a focus on thoughtful, sustainable design, we are well-equipped to deliver key worker accommodation that meets the needs of local people.
We understand the importance of providing affordable, secure, and well-designed homes for key workers, ensuring that they can live close to their workplaces and participate in the communities they serve. Our approach to development focuses on creating contemporary living spaces that blend seamlessly with the urban environment and promote a strong sense of community.
About Hyve
Hyve by Prime is a not-for-profit, specialist business that has been created to operate and manage key worker accommodation. It provides housing for key workers in the local community, designed to support wellbeing in desirable living environments. Hyve already operate another key worker housing development in Dorchester, Alexandra House in Brewery Square.
Hyve addresses the high demand for desirable housing for key workers, enhancing the recruitment and retention of frontline service workers in the public sector, including the NHS.
Prime build, fit-out and furnish new accommodation to a desirable standard. Hyve then manages the tenants, ensuring they have the best possible living experience close to their place of work.
Why is a key worker housing needed?
Across the country providers in the NHS, healthcare and wider public sector are facing a shortage in the recruitment of front line staff. A key tool in attracting new staff is to be able to promise the availability of affordable, quality and secure housing.
The cost of housing in Dorchester is high in comparison to the surrounding area, and there is no nearby university to supply new staff directly into local health, education or social care roles. To entice new staff to the area, and encourage them to stay for the long term, employers must be able to support employees to find places to live.
These homes need to enhance wellbeing by being connected to the community and be located close to workplaces and the facilities of the town centre.
A new Hyve building would:
- Address high demand for desirable, affordable accommodation for key workers
- Enhance recruitment of frontline staff to attract, retain and support key workers for the public sector
- Provide a sense of place and community for key workers near to their workplace
- Enable key workers to live in a place they can take pride in – a space that feels like home
- Be ready to move into straight away. Apartments come furnished with key items and fitted appliances (including a bed, fridge, dining table and chairs, sofa and wardrobe as standard)
Site location
The site is located in the northern part of Dorchester, between the southern end of Poundbury Road and the southern exit of Miller’s Close.
It is within a mile radius of shops, supermarkets and public transport links, and less than half a mile north of Dorset County Hospital, approximately 8 minutes walking distance.
At present the land is occupied by a two storey building which formerly provided office space for Magna Housing. This would be demolished to allow us to create a new purpose built accommodation block that maximises the number of homes on site.
The building would sit at the centre of the site, a safe distance from retaining walls, ensuring overlooking of neighbouring residential properties is not an issue.
Site plan
What sort of homes would be created?
Our proposed development would create 79 new housing units for key workers, over four floors of accommodation. It would provide a variety of homes to meet a range of needs, including studios, 1-bedroom units, 2-bedroom units, and 3-bedroom units, catering to different needs and preferences.
Each unit has a kitchen and living space and bathrooms with contemporary fixtures and fittings. Communal laundry spaces provide washer and dryer facilities for access by all residents.
North elevation view
East elevation view
South elevation view
West elevation view
Example floorplan
This image demonstrates the proposed layout for the first floor as an example of how the accommodation could be laid out within the building.
We have worked closely with residents of this type of accommodation to understand their priorities when choosing a home. We listened to feedback and understand individual space is more valued than communal areas. This is reflected in our designs.
How could the new housing look?
We would like the new building to compliment the character and massing of the local area. The existing building on the site sits below the surrounding roof lines due to the ground level of the site being lowered. A new, four-storey accommodation block will bring the roof height up, consistent with the surrounding buildings.
We are consulting with Dorset Council to learn which design elements they feel would be most in keeping with current buildings and the nearby Dorchester conservation area.
Local vernacular buildings in conservation area
Grade II listed former barracks building
Landscape design
We believe that landscape has a significant impact on the wellbeing and the enjoyment of residents. Our landscape plan defines two separate landscaped areas, one for socialising and the other for restful reflection space in nature, optimising the use of space on site. It draws inspiration from biodiverse schemes that enrich residential settings with both visual and ecological value.
Existing trees will be kept where possible to provide screening and maintain the character of the area. New tree planting will enhance privacy, provide shade, and soften the visual impact of the built structures.
Soft planting areas, incorporating sustainable drainage features, like soakaways, will maximise limited space while adding both aesthetic and functional appeal. Natural materials, such as boulders will add a further layer of interest.
By investing in more planting and the creation of new habitats for wildlife, we have the potential to deliver a biodiversity net gain up to 60%.
Travel and access
Vehicle and bicycle access to the site would remain as it is now, off Miller’s Close, a private road providing access primarily to the Marabout Industrial Estate. Miller’s Close will remain open during the construction period to minimise disruption and maintain familiarity for current users of the area.
Car parking spaces at Oak House would be limited as the intended residents for this accommodation would be those who do not keep a vehicle.
We have selected this site as it provides easy walking distances to places of employment, the town centre, and public transport links. 40 dedicated cycle parking spaces would be provided on-site.
The Prime Foundation
In addition to developing health and care infrastructure within communities across the UK, we’re committed to enhancing the lives of the people who live and work there too.
That’s why we founded the Prime Foundation – a registered charity, actively supporting community projects in neighbourhoods where we’ve built new schemes.
The legacy of our projects isn’t just the bricks and mortar – it’s about championing a proactive approach to healthcare. To build a future where can improve the wellbeing of communities and reduce future burdens upon our health and care services. With each new project, we donate a proportion of our profits to the Prime Foundation – helping fund schemes such as sensory gardens, sports equipment and community resources.
Project update
Development
Consultation
Planning Permission
Financial Close
In Construction
Phase 3
Planning Permission