Chapelhay shops and flats at Gordon Row to be sold off by Aster

Aster Group is planning to dispose of residential and commercial properties at Gordon Row in Chapelhay – which comprises 10 ground-floor shop units, with 12 flats above. 

The buildings are arranged in two opposite rows situated around a small square; benches, and community green space.

Commercial units are currently occupied by a fish and chip shop, a Chinese takeaway, a convenience store, The Lantern charity shop, two hairdressers/ beauty salons; a mother and baby hub; a holistic healing centre, and financial advisor. The freehold up for sale includes the shops as well as the flats.

The flats are occupied by a mix of leaseholders and Aster customers.

Aster - which owns the freehold for the entire site - has confirmed that some social housing tenants have already been moved out. A spokesperson said they believe three social properties are currently vacant. 

Those who remain will be found alternative accommodation prior to Gordon Row being put up for sale.

Aster said there are no timescales, and that they are not inviting expressions of interest until the site is on the market.

Concerns have meanwhile been raised within the community about the potential for redevelopment of Gordon Row. It is understood that some housing tenants received a letter from Aster informing them of concrete wall rot.

Aster said there were ‘some issues with concrete failing’ a few years ago, but that this was made safe at the time, with no known issues ongoing.

Shops at the heart of the community in Chapelhay (Image: Ellie Maslin, Newsquest)

It comes as Weymouth faces an ongoing housing shortage, with hundreds of people on the waiting list for social housing. Families continue to be placed in emergency B&B accommodation due to the crisis.

A spokesperson for Aster Group said: "We are selling Gordon Row as part of our ongoing programme to sell a small number of our commercial properties, as primarily Aster is a social landlord.

"The proceeds from any sales are reinvested in both our existing homes and so we can build more affordable homes as part of our commitment as a landlord with a social purpose.

“The reason for the relocation of some Aster customers from Gordon Row is because our aim is to sell the freehold in the longer-term.

“While the property had some issues a few years ago with concrete falling, this was made safe at the time, and we are not aware of any current or ongoing issues.

“We will not be putting the freehold up for sale until we have successfully found appropriate alternative homes to meet the needs of our remaining customers.

“In the meantime, we remain in contact with our customers and continue to maintain the building as necessary.”