26 new council homes built on Hawke Road have been officially handed over to Ipswich Borough Council at a ceremony today (Monday 2 March 2026).
The development, which sits on the former Diesco site, is made up of six one and two bedroom flats including one which is fully wheelchair accessible, and 20, two, three and four-bedroom houses. It’s been completed by Handford Homes, Ipswich Borough Council’s housebuilding company and Gipping Construction Ltd, and designed by Ipswich based architects Barefoot & Giles.
All the properties benefit from solar panels and high-quality insulation, with access to electric vehicle (EV) charging points. Green space and landscaping are central to the development’s design, making a positive contribution to biodiversity.
The development will also see the recreation area refurbished in the coming weeks with a new ‘gasworks’ theme, to reflect the area’s industrial heritage. The play area will focus on imagination and inclusivity and will include climbing mountains, slides and a wheelchair-accessible roundabout.
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.
“Once complete, it will be a pleasure to see the gasworks themed play area being used – a place where children can get outdoors, use their imagination and play."
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.
“Each home features high-quality insulation and a good-sized garden, and generous green spaces wrap around the development which includes extensive planting, and biodiversity-friendly features such as hedgehog highways between properties. It’ll be a great place to live and thrive.”