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Gipping Construction
Projects Residential

Ravenswood

The project for Ipswich Borough Council’s Handford Homes, provides 96 homes which are predominantly social housing, constructed at Ravenswood, on the site of the former Ipswich Airport.
The development sees a mix of houses and flats, designed for sustainability; including solar panels, plentiful insulation, open green spaces, gardens, and parking.
Gipping were awarded The Bricks Site Recognition Award for August 2023 from LABC Warranty for the consistent quality of workmanship and site management shown at the development.

  • Sector: Residential
  • Location: Ravenswood, Ipswich, Suffolk
  • Client: Handford Homes
  • Employer’s Agent: Hyams QS Ltd
  • Architect: Barefoot and Gilles
  • Structural Engineers: J P Chick & Partners Ltd
  • Commenced: January 2023
  • Completed: May 2025
  • PROCUREMENT METHOD Design and Build
  • Contract Value: £23,000,000
Ravenswood accessible bunglow Ravenswood homes

Challenges and Constraints

The site was challenging as it was nestled in the centre of the Ravenswood Estate, adjacent to a busy Primary School. It was important to ensure the scheme was constructed in a manner that caused minimal disruption to the surrounding neighbours and was sensitive to the local ecology and environment.

Construction Processes and Methods

The construction methods were mainly traditional build. The properties are heavily insulated and will be cost-effective to run. All plots will comply with ‘Secured by Design’ ensuring the properties are safe and secure.

Programme

The first handovers took place in the Summer of 2024 with the final handover taking place in May 2025.

Environmental

As responsible contractors who are ISO14001 accredited, we completed environmental risk assessments, minimise waste and any waste is disposed of using licensed companies. Waste is sorted at the collection depot. Typically, 90% of waste is recycled.

Social Value

Gipping are sponsors of local Charity, Inspire Suffolk, and worked with them to provide a ‘World of Work Day’ for young people aged 16-24 who have faced life challenges. This involved five trades from the supply chain, giving taster sessions in everything from plastering to bricklaying. PPE was sponsored, and a representative from the CITB attended to give a talk on careers in construction. Transport to the site was funded by GCL, as well as supervision by qualified staff. Goody bags were provided at the end of the day.

In February 2024, Gipping hosted a visit to the site from a Girl Guide group based on the neighbouring, socially deprived, Gainsborough Estate. The theme was based around ‘Breaking Barriers’ and the girls were issued with PPE, had a site tour, did a safe and practical activity, then had talks from three female GCL employees and a representative from the CITB. They were awarded with certificates, goody bags and info to take away, as well as their Breaking Barriers badges. Additionally, GCL donated funds to help send the girls on a trip to Paris.

Our Contracts Manager visited local schools and provided hi-viz vests for children to wear on walks.

Ravenswood social value Ravenswood World of work day
Ravenswood handover Ravenswood Ravenswood Ravenswood kitchen Ravenswood social value

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