Oak House, Dorchester

The next step in our programme of works to transform the availability of high quality key worker accommodation in Dorchester, and nationwide.

Across the country, public sector employers are facing fierce competition in the recruitment of frontline workers. In Dorchester this challenge is deepened by the cost of housing which is high in comparison to the surrounding area, meaning staff who chose to work in the town must either pay more to live locally or commute from further away.

Prime’s previous development in the town, Alexandra House, has been operated by Hyve by Prime at full capacity since it’s opening in 2023. With demand for key worker apartments remaining high, we sought a central site to create a second Hyve in the area.

At the time of purchasing, Oak House, on the southern end of Poundbury Road, was restricted by a covenant designating the land for office and industrial use. The grounds had a rich history, having been the site of a German Prisoner of War camp during World War I, and the military presence remains close to the site with an Army Reserve Centre situated next door. In consideration of these complexities Prime treated the local authority as a key consultee, engaging early with planners to shape the proposals and reassuring them of a considerate approach to development. Prime ultimately secured the permissions needed to repurpose the land while respecting its history and neighbouring uses.

Demolition of the office building on the site required careful sequencing, including safe asbestos removal and the relocation of old utilities before any excavation could start. With limited space around the plot, the construction team had to work creatively, using compact lifting equipment instead of large cranes and planning deliveries with precision. A further challenge was the presence of a nearby Roman burial ground, which necessitated archaeological monitoring during early works. By tackling these constraints with thoughtful planning and coordination, the team turned a difficult site into one ready for a new beginning.

The new four-storey building will comprise of 79 fully furnished, self-contained apartments, providing homes for 131 key workers. Located just ten minutes’ walk from the local hospital, the facility is purpose designed with comfortable living in mind. Homes will be well proportioned, enhanced by natural light and have a high‑quality finish. Residents will be able to access high speed WIFI, enjoy landscaped communal gardens, cycle storage and e-bike charging, and seek support where needed from the Hyve House Manager who will have a dedicated office on site.

The building will achieve a strong thermal performance with an EPC‑B rating, it features a centralised air source heat pump and underfloor heating which will help residents to keep energy bills down.

The scheme is set to be delivered at pace. Prime have partnered with GOLDBECK who will utilise their systemised residential construction method where much of the building including concrete panels and bathrooms pods, is created offsite in controlled factory conditions for rapid assembly on site. This approach not only ensures consistent quality across every apartment, but also shortens the construction programme by around 25% compared to traditional methods. With fewer delays, tighter tolerances and less disruption from on‑site activity, it offers a faster, more predictable route to getting people into the homes they need.

This quicker, more predictable way of building offers real hope for public sector employers who are struggling to attract essential staff, demonstrating that high‑quality homes for key workers can be delivered quickly and at scale.