A "popular" and "well-known" landmark in Totton has been turned into 12 flats.

The former Testwood Social Club site on Salisbury Road is now an apartment block known as Penman House.

New Forest District Council says its latest social housing development meets the government's proposed Future Homes Standard aimed to ensure new homes produce 75-80 per cent lower emissions compared to current levels.

Key features at Penman House include air source heat pumps for heating, triple glazing, increased insulation, and electric vehicle charging points.

Cllr Steve Davies, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness, said: "I am incredibly proud of Penman House. Building to the proposed Future Homes Standard shows what the future looks like today, and how meeting that standard can make the homes even more affordable."

Daily Echo: The club was demolished in October of 2022 to make way for the new flatsThe club was demolished in October of 2022 to make way for the new flats (Image: NQ)

The project has been named after Cllr Neville Penman who first identified the site as an opportunity for affordable housing when Testwood Social Club closed five years ago.   

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Cllr Penman said: "I was sad to see the closure of Testwood Social Club which was a popular and a well-known landmark in Totton for so many years.

“However, I am delighted to see the good use that the land has been put to.”

The impact of the pandemic and energy crisis has forced many pubs and social clubs to close in recent years.

Echoing Cllr Penman's words, Mark Treacy, President of the Chandler's Ford Central Club, said it was a tragedy the social club had gone.

He said: “During the pandemic we saw eight or nine social clubs close their doors a month – and the picture in 2024 is still tough.

“We had to take bounce back loans to stay afloat during Covid. Club buildings are often old and in need of maintenance work.  

“But, of course, there is a huge need for social housing.”