Dragon Court celebrates final chapter with conversion of retail space into much needed high-quality homes

Local independent housing association, PHA Homes, in partnership with leading property developer, Jansons Property, is pleased to announce the completion of five brand new high-quality homes at the Dragon Court development in the heart of Petersfield, Hampshire.

Dragon Court is the result of five years of planning, development and construction plus careful consideration of local requirements including the increasing demand for homes which are energy efficient, built to a high standard, and are in keeping with the town centre. This £4 million project first broke ground in Autumn 2020 and construction progressed steadily over the past three years. In 2023, the final chapter of the development involved a change of use on the ground floor from retail space to residential.

Andy Jansons, Managing Director of Jansons Property, explained; “The pandemic brought many changes to Petersfield along with the rest of the country. One major change was the reduction in demand for physical retail space with the shift to online shopping. Consequently, we needed to rethink the retail space originally included in this development. So, with the ever-increasing need for high quality, sustainable homes in the region, it made absolute sense to apply for a change of use post pandemic from retail to residential.”

The development was financed through a combination of public funding and private investment.

“We are thrilled to officially welcome the new residents of Dragon Court,” said Linda Wallace, Chief Executive of PHA Homes. “This joint initiative demonstrates our commitment to providing energy efficient, affordable housing so more in our community have the opportunity to thrive.”

The accommodation provides a mix of one and two bedroom apartments, with an open kitchen and living area, and easy access to the town centre. A public space featuring the town fishpond and an original mosaic are also located on site. “Housing which meets the needs of local people is essential for building strong, equitable communities,” commented Andy Jansons, Managing Director of Jansons Property. “Like PHA Homes we’re delighted to complete this impressive development that will allow more people to establish roots and grow.”

Jansons Property is a property developer and investor founded in 2003 that delivers high quality, energy efficient homes which are built to stand the test of time and complement their surrounding areas. Dragon Court was created in partnership with local government, businesses and community partners including PHA Homes.

Jansons Property also worked solely with local firms to complete the development and acknowledge the excellent contribution from local project manager, Boulter Mossman and Portsmouth-based contractors, PMC.