The main part of the former St Clement’s Hospital site in Ipswich is being transformed into new homes – and will be known as Ribbans Park.
The first phase of what will eventually be 149 new-build homes by regional builder, Bovis Homes, is well under way.
Bovis are building a range of homes, from apartments through to townhouses, and in various sizes up to five-bedroom detached properties, within the grounds of the former hospital.
The first phase of Ribbans Park consists of 40 three-bed and five-bedroom homes within the IP4 postcode on the east side of Ipswich.
Ribbans Park will be one of the largest new homes schemes to be built in the town for a number of years.
The development will retain the bowls green and the sports club on the site as well as access to the St Clement’s golf club at the rear.
Max Turner, of Savills on behalf of Bovis Homes, said: “Ribbans Park offers buyers a fantastic opportunity to own a brand new home within this sought-after location.
“There has been a shortage of family housing within the town for a number of years and it is anticipated that Ribbans Park will help to satisfy demand.
“Its close proximity to a variety of top performing primary and secondary schools is very appealing to buyers looking with children of school age.
“The development provides a good mix of well proportioned homes, some of which will have views across the stunning St Clement’s conversion and in some cases across the bowling green.
“The development is progressing well with the first homes likely to be occupied just after Christmas.”
St Clement’s Hospital was built in 1870 and evolved over time to become the mental health centre for the area, up until its closure in 2002.
The former St Clement’s hospital provides a spectacular backdrop for the new homes development.
The main hospital building is also being brought back to life, by Lanswood Developments who are in the process of creating a selection of converted apartments and townhouses, which will be available through Savills from September 2017.
Annette Hurst, regional sales and marketing director for Bovis Homes, said: “There is real demand for high quality family homes in this area so it is no surprise that Ribbans Park has generated a lot of interest.
”Our homes are built to traditional standards, and include so much more than many other housebuilders. What some consider extras, we provide as standard.”
To help buyers secure their new home at Ribbans Park, Bovis Homes offers a variety of purchase assistance schemes. This includes the Government-backed Help to Buy scheme, which enables buyers to access better mortgage rates when buying a new build home with the help of a 20% equity loan from the Government.
The nine hole St Clements Golf Club, which was started in 1969 for NHS employees, is now in private ownership, and membership is open for those who are interested in playing nearby.
Some of the new homes, including five bedroom detached houses, will have views across the golf course parkland.
Graham Hurren, course manager for St Clememts Golf Club, said they had memberships available.
“We are a friendly club, and we have a special deal available at the moment of membership for just £275.
“We would welcome new people coming to the homes to join.
“We get on well with the site manager already.
“It has got to be good for these new homes to be next to a golf course,”
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