Former school transformed into new homes

The transformation of the former Needham Market Middle School has been completed with 41 new homes created along with a new library for the community.

The development features a mix of two and three-bedroom properties that will be used as affordable rent, social rent and shared ownership properties.

Marking the final stage of the project Lavinia Hadingham, cabinet member for Housing at Mid Suffolk District Council, was on hand to receive the keys to the new homes along with council leader Suzie Morley.

The development delivered by the council and was supported by funding of £1,420,000 from Homes England through the Affordable Homes Programme. 

Councillor Hadingham said: “It is great to see the amazing transformation of this site purchased by the council to provide more homes in our district. The provision of good quality housing with a range of housing options is vital for the sustainability of our communities.

“The completion of this multi-million-pound development is a great investment in the town adding new homes, a wonderful community facility and a boost for the local economy.”

The homes have been built by Gipping Construction Ltd and designed by property and construction consultancy Ingleton Wood with a fabric first approach– ensuring each home is built with additional insulation, larger rooms, gardens and off-street parking.

Andy Laflin, joint managing director of Gipping Construction, said: “We are extremely proud to be principal contractor on what is a fantastic development. Our involvement is made even more special as we are based just two miles away and our supply chain are also locally based so we all take a great deal of satisfaction constructing quality new homes and a refurbished library which will hopefully be enjoyed by the community that we operate in. It has been a joy to be involved in the project.”

And Andrew Collett, director of Ingleton Wood, added: “We are delighted to have worked on this fantastic redevelopment, using our extensive residential sector experience to support the project from inception through to completion.

“Our team worked closely with Mid Suffolk District Council to provide architectural and planning services. This included the creation of initial designs, managing construction plans, and tracking applications for both the residential site and library facility. It is fantastic to deliver these much-needed, affordable homes to this growing community, along with the new library which will benefit them for many years to come.”