East Suffolk Council

Posted by on 4 April 2022 | Comments

East Suffolk Council is pleased to announce the sale of its former offices to a family-run developer to provide much needed housing in the Woodbridge area.

The site on Melton Hill has been vacant for six years since the Council moved to its current offices at nearby Riduna Park.

The sale was completed between East Suffolk Council and Manningtree building firm, Rose, on Monday 4 April.

The 3.23-acre site lies close to Woodbridge town centre, overlooking the River Deben, with views across to Sutton Hoo.

It was initially sold in 2016, but the sale fell through, and the council restarted the process of marketing its former offices with a fresh perspective last July – following the end of a contract with the site’s original developer.

Cllr Craig Rivett, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said:

“I’m delighted to announce the sale of the former council offices on Melton Hill to a local, family-run developer with a history of working in the town – most recently on the impressive Queens Drive development of 33 new homes.

“We were keen that any potential developer would wish to forge a close working relationship with the local community, including Woodbridge Town Council and Melton Parish Council, to ensure that local views are heard and taken into consideration.

“I’m glad to learn of the buyer’s intention to work up plans and engage with the local community very soon – and I look forward with excitement to seeing the creation of a residential scheme that will meet local needs.”

East Suffolk Council is committed to addressing the need for more affordable homes in the area and expects any planning application of such scale to include provision for at least 33% affordable housing.

[East Suffolk Council Delivery Manager Laura Hack pictured handing over the keys to the former Melton Hill office site to Alex Leader, Sales and Marketing Director at Rose]