Holly Court on Dorchester Road, Weymouth finally demolished

Holly Court on Dorchester Road, Weymouth, has been torn down – with work now under way to build new flats in a development called ‘The Hollies.’

A spokesperson for Anchor, the housing provider which owns the site, said: “All demolition works are now complete and piling for the new building has commenced.”

Piling is the process of driving or boring pile foundations into the ground beneath a building that is under construction. These piles transfer loads from the structure to the ground, helping to support it.

The Hollies/ Holly Court (Image: Hollie Carr)

Anchor is working alongside local building company C G Fry and Son to complete the development.

At present, the ground at the site appears to be flattened and labourers are using machinery to carry out works.

A large blue fence has been put in place along the main road to shield the works.

The Hollies/ Holly Court (Image: Hollie Carr)

The new development will see 34 one-bedroom flats and three two-bedroom flats for social rent for those aged over 55, with communal facilities including a lounge with kitchenette for social activities and purpose-built storage for scooters.

Anchor has also confirmed that the new homes will be more sustainable and energy efficient, with a 'fabric first approach design' providing above building regulation requirements for insulation and solar panels to reduce residents’ consumption costs alongside new electric vehicle charging points.

The Hollies/ Holly Court (Image: Hollie Carr)

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The scheme will also provide a 10 per cent net biodiversity gain compared to the previous development.

The Hollies/ Holly Court (Image: Hollie Carr)

It is anticipated that the works will be completed in 2025 after planning permission was granted last year.

Pensioners living in Holly Court were forced out of their homes back in 2022 after Storm Eunice caused significant damage to the roof.

The Hollies/ Holly Court (Image: Hollie Carr)

Several residents had previously campaigned to keep the existing building, which was finished in 1973, but Anchor Housing, which owns the site, claimed the option is not viable, compounded by the presence of asbestos.

Elderly residents who were forced to leave Holly Court faced months of upheaval with some moving around multiple times between temporary lodgings.