Former council offices to be turned into homes

A council has sold its former offices to a developer, releasing funds to improve housing in the district.

Part of the Mid Suffolk District Council site in Needham Market has already been turned into 32 new homes and a Co-op.

The deal with developer Hatch Homes will see a further 48 homes being built, along with turning the Grade II listed Hurstlea House into apartments.

The plan is part of an overall regeneration project which has also seen the town's former middle school site turned into affordable housing for local residents to rent or buy. The former school's Victorian building has become a new library.

The council confirmed that Hatch Homes is to deliver the 48 homes and Hurstlea House development after a previous developer stepped back from the project.

Richard Winch, cabinet member for housing and property, said the council was "delighted" that Hatch Homes had taken on the project.

"As an added bonus, receipts from the sale of the land can also now be reinvested into projects which help us to improve the standards of our council housing," he said.

Work is expected to begin on site next month, with completion expected by 2029.

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