A dozen new homes are on the way at the former St Leonard’s Hospital site in Sudbury, Suffolk.

East Anglian Daily Times: The St Leonard's homes development, Sudbury by Hartog Hutton. cgi by Steve Clarke/UKM Media LtdThe St Leonard's homes development, Sudbury by Hartog Hutton. cgi by Steve Clarke/UKM Media Ltd (Image: Archant)

The site of a Victorian former hospital, St Leonard’s in Sudbury, is being transformed into new homes by local niche developers Hartog Hutton.

Building began in April 2017 and, despite some challenges - including recent heavy rainfaill and two break-ins and damaged machinery, the final stages of the project are now approaching.

I met up with Hartog Hutton director Malcolm Payne on site again, having originally seen him here in the early stages of the development.

The core of the main hospital building remains - it will soon become three handsome townhouses, and later additions to it have been demolished, and new build homes are rapidly taking shape within the grounds.

East Anglian Daily Times: The St Leonard's homes development, Sudbury by Hartog Hutton. cgi by Steve Clarke/UKM Media LtdThe St Leonard's homes development, Sudbury by Hartog Hutton. cgi by Steve Clarke/UKM Media Ltd (Image: Archant)

There will be a dozen new homes in all, of various sizes, including one apartment, and the three in the main hospital bulding.

The new build homes have reached in their final stages and phase one has been launched.

Eight of the nine new build properties are either finished or at the second fix stage, with only the one bedroom apartment still to be built.

Mr Payne said: “We are very pleased with it. This is an ideal position so close to the centre of town.

“The old Victorian part of the hospital that has been retained is well on the way to being converted into three substantial properties.

“The new insulated floors are in place and the extensions are under way.

“The soft red brickwork is about to be cleaned and re-pointed with any damaged bricks being replaced with hand-made bricks to match.

“The 3m high sliding sash windows are now being made, to restore the original look.

“The feature bricks that form the ornate window reveals have also been hand made and are on site ready to replaced the damaged areas.”

“These front windows will have panoramic views across the town, and out to the countryside beyond.

“It will look superb.

“Hopefully the development will be completed during the summer.”

New homes on sites in the heart of town are rare, with this one just a short walk from the railway station, supermarkets, shops and Belle Vue Park.

Three of the dozen homes have been sold.

Sam Thornton of agents Fenn Wright said they had a lot of interest for their first open day, for the three homes fronting Burrough’s Piece Road at the top end of the site.

One of the three has already been sold as well as two others on St Leonard’s, within its hillside site.

Sam took me round the show house.

He said:“It is high specification home, with many features included that are extras on some national builders’ developments.”

There were floor coverings throughout, underfloor heating in the tiled bathroom and a five amp lighting sockets in the living room and main bedroom.

The kitchen was fully fitted with all integrated appliances, he said, with plenty of storage cupboards.

There is a fitted burglar alarm system as well as smoke and heat detectors.

“This will be a lovely place to live.”

More details are available from Fenn Wright on 01787 327000.