SIXTEEN years ago the Duchy of Cornwall land to the west of Dorchester was open fields sweeping southwards to Maiden Castle. In 2007 HRH Prince Charles’s dream of a model village blending a mixture of traditional building styles has become a reality.

Now on part two of three planned stages of building a balanced mix of homes and commercial premises, new additions this year include a medical centre – Frederick Treves House on St John Way, a road newly named in March. This will be home to the Cornwall Road and Prince of Wales Road surgeries, Rowlands Pharmacy and dental services. The centre is named after the eminent surgeon who was born in Dorchester in 1853 and went to the Rev William Barnes school in South Street. Two of his famous patients were ‘the Elephant Man’ and King Edward VII.

The street names on Poundbury are a fascinating study in themselves, some chosen by HRH Prince Charles, some suggested by local people and given the royal seal of approval. Famous people and battles which have involved Dorset soldiers and West Country landmarks are among the road names.

Poundbury is now a thriving, buzzing community with increasing numbers of shops and services, and residents say they love living here. At the centre is the Brownsword Hall, a gift to Prince Charles and now leased to the Village Hall Trust. It is a hub for community events including the farmers’ markets.

There will eventually be some 2,200 homes here when phase three is completed, maybe 12 years hence. Three maps have been put up this year in prominent places to help people find their way among the continuing building.

They feature 17 landmark buildings painted by Poundbury artist Bev Stephens.

Poundbury has its own unique identity and, as part of the county town, it has also done much to enhance the special character of Dorchester, attracting visitors from all over the world including architects who come to study the design and concept of Poundbury.