SALE of Felixstowe’s former Bartlet Hospital has netted health chiefs a double cash bonus.

The convalescent unit has been sold to Gipping Homes for £1.16million for conversion to homes but also reaps savings in the authority’s security and maintenance costs.

The sale cash is to be used to help fund a new medical centre for Felixstowe.

In a report to the NHS Suffolk board meeting, interim trust secretary Colin Boakes said: “This planned asset disposal represents a value-for-money sale that also potentially supports one of its GP practices in the same community going forwards.

“The sale of the Bartlet would also reduce NHS Suffolk’s asset liability and make recurring revenue savings of circa £90,000 per annum in running costs and security for the vacant site in addition to the capital receipt.”

Gipping Homes, based at Baylham, will convert the Grade II-starred building into 21 luxury flats, turn the old nurses’ home into seven properties and build three new town houses in a terrace in the grounds.

Site clearance work has already started, along with increased security measures, essential repairs and maintenance works.

These will continue while the company seeks approval from Suffolk Coastal District Council for improvements to the existing planning consent.