WORK is progressing on a new housing development which is replacing a block of flats severely damaged in a storm.

Anchor Housing's Holly Court complex on Dorchester Road at Radipole, Weymouth, suffered damage back in 2022 when Storm Eunice caused the roof to be ripped off.

The block has since been demolished to make way for the new development, The Hollies, with building work underway by local contractors CG Fry and Son.

Construction works are expected to be completed in early 2026.

Previous residents of Holly Court will be offered homes as a priority, so they can return to The Hollies when work is complete.

Some former residents attended a ceremony where they met the construction team and saw the progress that has been made.

They were also joined by Weymouth Town Councillor Louise Bown of the Radipole ward.

Nick Hodgskin, Head of Regeneration for Anchor, said: “We are delighted that work to redevelop Holly Court is officially underway. It marks another step towards providing better affordable housing for older people in the local area.”

Holly Court ceremonyHolly Court ceremony (Image: Anchor)

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

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 was not viable, compounded by the presence of asbestos.

The elderly residents faced months of upheaval with some moving around multiple times between temporary lodgings.

READ MORE: Holly Court finally demolished

As part of Anchor’s new development, there will be 37 new affordable homes built for those aged over 55, with both one and two-bedroom apartments for social rent.

Communal facilities will include a lounge for social activities and purpose-built storage for scooters.  

CGI's of the new Holly Court developmentCGI's of the new Holly Court development (Image: Anchor)

The new homes will be more sustainable and energy efficient as well, with highly insulated walls and solar panels to reduce residents’ costs, alongside electric vehicle charging points.

The scheme also aims to add increased biodiversity to the site through its new landscaping.  

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