Fresh plans revealed for 150 new council homes near Ipswich town centre
An artist's impression of the development from Handford Road - Credit: Stanley Bragg Architects
Fresh plans to create 150 new homes on the former BT site in Bibb Way in Ipswich have been revealed.
The latest plans come as the council continues its hopes to develop the 4.3 acre site off Handford Road, which its commercial arm Ipswich Borough Assets bought for £4.1million last year.
The company had initially planned to solely convert the main building into 78 flats and maisonettes in a £10.5m development, before extending plans to also construct houses on site.
If successful, the main five-storey building – empty since 2015 – would still be converted into the 78 one, two and three-bedroom flats, while the former data centre would be demolished.
A mix of 15 two and three-bedroom terraced houses would be built along Handford Road alongside 24 one and two-bedroom flats.
A further 16 homes and 17 flats of similar sizes would also be constructed on the 1.3 acre car park.
All homes would have access to a private garden or communal landscaped space, while they would also all have access to cycle storage and car parking.
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A pedestrian pathway with benches will also be built along the Alderman canal and provide pedestrian access to Handford Road.
Vehicular access would be via Bibb Way, connected to Sir Alf Ramsey Way. Access via Handford Road would only be available for emergency vehicles.
All of the homes are set to be added to the council's housing stock.
Colin Kreidewolf, chair of Ipswich Borough Assets, said this is a rare chance for a large-scale affordable housing development so close to the town centre.
Mr Kreidewolf said: “We’re delighted to be bringing this site forward for high quality residential development for Ipswich.
"Sites for 150 new homes so close to the town centre are rare.
"The design by Stanley Bragg Architects makes great use of the space and will provide much needed homes in an attractive and sustainable setting.”
Ipswich Borough Assets expects all work, if granted approval by the council, to be completed by 2024.