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Gipping Construction
Projects Heritage Residential

Redevelopment of Babergh Council Offices to Residential, Hadleigh, Suffolk

Refurbishment of five listed buildings, demolition of a former industrial building and parts of a 1970’s office complex.
Listed buildings include a brick fronted, timber framed building, an early 19th century house, a redbrick Malthouse, a three bay red brick house and timber framed cottage. Approximately two thirds of the former Babergh Council Offices were located within a late 70’s, early 80’s extension, which, together with the listed buildings, form a courtyard. The site includes frontage to the River Brett and borders Hadleigh CC. Evidence of the site’s heritage is being carefully preserved, providing unique features in a highly desirable development.

  • Sectors: Residential and Heritage
  • LOCATION: Hadleigh, Suffolk
  • CLIENT: Babergh Growth Ltd
  • ARCHITECT: Hamson Barron Smith
  • STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS: J P Chick & Partners Ltd
  • COMMENCED: August 2022
  • Completed: Autumn 2025
  • PROCUREMENT METHOD: Single Stage Tender, Drawings and Specification
  • CONTRACT VALUE: £12+m
Babergh

Challenges and Constraints

The project was a sensitive restoration of multiple listed buildings with varying construction types: brick-fronted, timber-framed, Malthouse, Georgian house, and cottage.

  • Use of both imperial and metric bricks, requiring careful sourcing and setting out.
  • Retention and refurbishment of timber sash windows with new weights, secondary glazing for performance, and high-quality redecoration.
  • Unexpected asbestos discoveries managed safely through specialist removal.
  • Managing public access along Corks Lane.

Construction Processes and Methods

  • Integration of new concrete-frame extensions with piled foundations alongside fragile heritage structures.
  • Installation of three passenger lifts within existing buildings, all with different forms of construction.
  • Use of contemporary materials including thermal wood cladding, Velfac windows/doors, and high-specification kitchens and flooring.
  • Timber frame extensions.
  • Masonry construction
  • District heating

Multiple demolition methodologies:

  • Selective demolition of listed elements.
  • Demolition of elements of framed construction.
  • Careful sequencing to create space for new extensions.

Programme

Delivery required a phased, multi-discipline programme combining demolition, restoration, and new-build sequencing.

  • Careful scheduling of heritage trades (stonework, lime plaster, joinery) alongside modern packages.
  • Coordination of multiple specialist subcontractors in tight, courtyard-style site with limited access.
  • Programme resilience tested by flooding and asbestos discoveries, both mitigated without loss of quality or compliance.
  • Programming sufficient drying out time for heritage work, e.g. lime render.

The first handover took place in early September 2024 with the following phase concluding in Autumn, 2025.

Environmental

  • Management of bat roosts with ecologists to ensure compliance and protection.
  • Flood events on site mitigated through proactive planning and temporary works.
  • Proximity to the River Brett required strict wastewater and pollution prevention measures, including bunding and site drainage controls.

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

  • Local apprenticeships and employment supported through supply chain.
  • Ongoing communication with local residents including letter drops and direct updates. Coordination of works on Cork’s Lane resurfacing was planned to minimise disruption.
  • Strong partnership with Hadleigh Cricket Club, including the provision of sponsorship and signage. We reinstated and improved club land used during construction.
  • Sponsorship and provision of large banners to line the route of the men’s Tour of Britain as it passed the site in 2023 and 2025.
  • Preservation and enhancement of Hadleigh’s heritage fabric while delivering much-needed residential homes.
  • Environmental protection measures safeguarding local wildlife and the River Brett.
  • Mock interviews at Hadleigh high school, work experience & local apprentices from Hadleigh. Hosted student groups on multiple occasions, providing guided tours to support coursework and training.
  • Delivered site visits for members of the public, ensuring full PPE and safe walkarounds, to build trust and transparency.
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