Projects Heritage Residential

Needham Market Middle School Site, Suffolk

Demolition of the former Needham Market Middle School, design and construction of 41 dwellings, refurbishment of listed building to form new community library and adopted road and external works.

Location: Needham Market, Suffolk
Sectors: Residential and Heritage
Client: Mid Suffolk District Council
Architect: Ingleton Wood
Structural Engineers: Rossi Long Consulting
Contract Value: £7,500,000
Commenced: October 2020
Completed: March 2023
Procurement Method: Design and Build

“On the subject of housing, I just wanted to take the opportunity to say that the new development at Teachers Close in Needham is fantastic. All the tenants that I have visited feel like they have won the lottery and the builders are amazingly approachable and are very happy to resolve any snagging issues.”

Georgina Matthews - Babergh & Mid-Suffolk District Councils

Challenges and Constraints

The main challenge was access, and we took great care to ensure our neighbours, the local residents had disruption kept to a minimum. Using an escort system all deliveries were brought to site from a lay-by just outside the town, to ensure no issues were raised with bringing HGV’s into a tight residential area.

Construction Processes and Methods

Due to tight access logistically, pre-fabrication wasn’t an option. All dwellings were traditional brick and block construction with trussed roofs, and flats having PCC floors (even these were a logistical challenge). A cut and fill strategy was used to minimise import and export of material.

Environmental

As responsible contractors who are ISO14001 accredited, we completed environmental risk assessments, minimised waste and any waste was disposed of using licensed companies. Waste was sorted at the collection depot. Typically, 90% of waste is recycled. The arisings from the demolition of the middle school were where possible recycled on site eliminating the need to material to be imported and exported. This significantly reduced site traffic.

Social Value

The project achieved beyond compliance with regard to the Considerate Constructors Scheme. All workforce were local and encouraged to car share or use public transport (some travelled by train from Ipswich and Stowmarket.

Recent Projects

What Our Clients Say

“

“Peter was outstanding when it came to communications and implementing changes and fixes that were required by the building work supplier. Very happy to recommend Gipping's services to others.”

Oliver Squirrell, Old Jet Airspace Programme
“I just wanted to thank you again for pretty much everything! I absolutely love our home and it was totally worth the wait. There isn’t a single thing I’d change, it really is perfect. The landscapers have been now too and it’s totally transformed the outside space, it just looks incredible. I feel super lucky to live here, every time I pull up back home I smile and feel so grateful and lucky. All the workmen have been incredibly lovely and gone above and beyond too, you have such a great team of people, they are extremely lovely and that makes a huge difference. I wish you well in all that you do creating beautiful homes for people. Thank you so so much.”

Kayleigh Williams: Wix
“As a team, Gipping met every expectation throughout the project. Steve James provided the exact role and attitude required for a project of this nature. The way he managed the works on site, given the difficult “live” environment was a credit to the firm. The overall management and support for Steve from Steve Offord and Joe was also a large factor in the smooth running of the scheme. All involved should be commended and are a credit to Gipping. Thank you for your part in a very successful scheme.”

Ben Mitchell, The Design partnership: Walden Place
“Carl, and the team, were fantastic during this phase of the project. Carl kept us updated with how the work was going and always had time to check with us if he thought things would impact on the running of the school. The site was always clean and tidy. The project was delivered slightly ahead of schedule, which made the transition into the build much easier for us! Thank you!”

Hannah Brookman, Tollgate Primary School Phase I
“It was a pleasure working with Gipping and we are very happy with our new home. Shaun Whiting was an exceptional Site Manager and remained professional, approachable and friendly throughout the entire build. The site was always tidy, well-managed and busy. We felt as if the entire Gipping team took our project seriously and truly cared about getting the build right. I would highly recommend you to anyone who is considering building a home.”

Elizabeth Goodrich, Amento