Why it matters: The council says the development adds 26 homes, including properties for families, couples and individuals, to its housing stock, with all properties fitted with solar panels, high-quality insulation and access to electric vehicle (EV) charging points.
The details: The development comprises six one and two-bedroom flats, including one that is fully wheelchair accessible, and 20 two, three and four-bedroom houses. It was built by Handford Homes and Gipping Construction, and designed by Ipswich-based architects Barefoot & Giles.
The council says green space and landscaping are central to the development's design, with biodiversity-friendly features including hedgehog highways between properties. A recreation area will also be refurbished in the coming weeks with a new gasworks theme, reflecting the area's industrial heritage, and will include climbing mountains, slides and a wheelchair-accessible roundabout.
What they're saying: Councillor Alasdair Ross, portfolio holder for housing at Ipswich Borough Council, said: "Ipswich Borough Council is committed to increasing affordable housing in Ipswich and the completion of this development is another example of that.
"It's great to see this former disused industrial site filled with homes for families, couples and individuals, making a vibrant area for all those who will live there."
Councillor Colin Kreidewolf, chair of Handford Homes, said: "We're pleased that this environmentally friendly development is complete to provide homes for our community.
"Once again it is great to see that local companies have been used to design and build the properties thus supporting the local economy."
The bottom line: The Hawke Road development transforms a formerly derelict industrial site into 26 council homes which, the council says, are environmentally friendly and demonstrate its ongoing commitment to increasing affordable housing in Ipswich.
