New flats for disabled in Ipswich left empty for 18 months

The £4.5million Handford Place building was built on a former car park by developers HBV, which provides supported living accommodation for people with special needs.

The firm went ahead with the project after talking to Suffolk County Council about the needs of people with disabilities in the area.

Work on the 22-flat scheme in Handford Road started in July 2021 with the then mayor of Ipswich, Elizabeth Hughes, formally launching the project.

Ipswich Mayor Elizabeth Hughes started work on the project in 2021. (Image: HB Villages)

One of the key features in the scheme was a sensory garden for residents.

Work on the flats was completed in November 2022 but since then nothing more has happened - and the building is now surrounded by a security fence.

The land that had been earmarked for a sensory garden is now overgrown, and local residents have been asking what is happening to what should have been a landmark building.

This should be a sensory garden at Handford Place, but it is just a patch of weeds. (Image: Paul Geater)

HBV was unable to give any details about its plans for the building at this stage - or give any indication of when it might come into use.

A spokesperson for HBV said: “We can confirm that we are in dialogue with the council and we have had a series of constructive meetings about the building." 

However, so far no decisions have been made about when residents may be able to move into the property.

A spokesman for Suffolk County Council said: “Handford Place is a private development; therefore, Suffolk County Council has no control over when the property is ultimately finished and ready for use.  

"We remain in contact with the developer and continue to help them understand what the local needs are in relation to adult social care.”