Former Suffolk school transformed into much-needed homes Monday, 27th March 2023

A project to transform the former Needham Market Middle School site into 41 much-needed, affordable homes, has reached completion.

The Victorian school building has been converted into a new library for the community while the rest of the site offers a mix of two and three-bedroom properties that will be used as affordable rent, social rent, and shared ownership properties.

Ingleton Wood provided Architectural and Planning services for the redevelopment from inception through to completion. The homes were carefully designed with a fabric first approach – ensuring each home is built with additional insulation, larger rooms, gardens and off-street parking.

Andrew Collett, Director of Architecture, said: “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.”

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

Councillor Lavinia Hadingham, Mid Suffolk District Council’s cabinet member for housing, 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 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.”

To find out more about our residential design services, visit: https://www.ingletonwood.co.uk/residential.php