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How former office site is being repurposed for 150 new homes in Ipswich

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The first 10 council homes have been completed at Bibb Way, where a mix of office conversion and new builds will provide 150 homes by spring 2025.

Why it matters: The redevelopment brings much-needed housing to Ipswich by transforming the prominent former BT site into residential properties.

Cllr Alisdair Ross and Colin Kreidewolf at Bibb Way
Cllr Alisdair Ross and Colin Kreidewolf at Bibb WayIpswich Borough Council

The details: The initial phase consists of four two-bedroom and six three-bedroom houses now available for families to rent.

The complete development will feature:

  • 78 one and two-bedroom flats converted from the former office block

  • 72 newly built homes on land previously used as a car park and data centre

  • Improved green spaces connecting to Alderman Canal and Alderman Road Recreation Ground

What they're saying: "We're pleased to see these homes handed over to the Council and ready for tenants to move into. It's fantastic to see this prominent, former BT site transformed into a new development, providing much needed homes to the local area," said Councillor Alasdair Ross, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Ipswich Borough Council.

"It's fantastic to see improvements to this area, as along with the new, high-quality homes, the green space surrounding the development to Alderman Canal and Alderman Road Recreation Ground has been improved, providing a welcoming environment for residents and the community to enjoy," said Colin Kreidewolf, Chair of Handford Homes.

By the numbers:

  • 10 homes completed in first phase

  • 150 total homes planned

  • Completion expected by late spring 2025

The bottom line: The Bibb Way development will significantly increase the council housing stock in Ipswich while simultaneously revitalising a former commercial site and enhancing surrounding green spaces for community use.

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Family pays tribute to 'loving' Ipswich man killed in A14 crash

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"A loving father, brother and grandad" who brought "joy and laughter" is how relatives described John Vincent, who died in a collision near Stowmarket last month.

Why it matters: The 61-year-old from Ipswich was involved in a fatal crash on the A14 last month, with police now appealing for witnesses.

John Vincent
John VincentSuffolk Constabulary

The details: Police were called just after 23:40 on Thursday, 20 February to reports of a collision involving a car and an HGV on the westbound carriageway of the A14 between Stowmarket and Haughley.

Mr Vincent's black Ford C-Max collided with a Volvo Skip Loader vehicle parked in a layby.

Ambulance crews, firefighters and a paramedic from Suffolk Accident Rescue Service (SARS) attended, but Mr Vincent was sadly declared dead at the scene.

What they're saying: In a tribute released through police, Mr Vincent's family said: "To a loving father, brother and grandad who will be sorely missed for all the joy and laughter you brought into everybody's lives.

"You will be missed greatly by all who knew you. Rest in peace you will never be forgotten.

"We love you. RIP John William Vincent."

What's next: Police are asking witnesses to the collision to contact the Joint Norfolk & Suffolk Serious Collision Investigation Unit, quoting reference 37/9754/25.

The bottom line: Support information for those affected by road traffic collisions can be found on the Suffolk Police website.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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