An historic Hadleigh hardware store is set to be redeveloped into 14 apartments and new shops after major plans were approved by Babergh District Council.

East Anglian Daily Times: Plans have been approved for a new mixed retail and living development in central Hadleigh Picture: WINCER KIEVNAAR ARCHITECTSPlans have been approved for a new mixed retail and living development in central Hadleigh Picture: WINCER KIEVNAAR ARCHITECTS (Image: WINCER KIEVNAAR ARCHITECTS)

Partridges has been in the town for almost 200 years, but the site will now be redeveloped and include a new public square and thoroughfare, linking George Street with the nearby Co-op store.

Bridging High Street and Magdalen Road, Partridges sits in the Hadleigh Conservation Area, and encompasses a series of linked buildings, three of which are Grade II Listed.

Consent has been given to demolish the unlisted shop, workshop and storage buildings along George Street and Magdalen Road, and redevelop the whole site to create three mixed use buildings, containing retail space on the ground floor and 14 one and two bedroom apartments on the first and second floors.

The neighbouring buildings at 60 High Street and 2&3 George Street will remain.

The possible closure of Partridges would leave a hole in the high street, but it is hoped an investor may take the opportunity to retain a reduced-sized Partridges store within the original building - and the design has taken this into account.

Hadleigh-based Wincer Kievenaar Architects, of Market Place, has been working on the scheme for two years.

Two consultation events held by the firm found although locals were sad to see the store close, plans to help revitalise the high street while staying sympathetic to the local area were welcomed.

Phil Branton, the company’s director, said: “The design has evolved through a close examination and understanding of the site and its history, alongside the need to provide a viable redevelopment option which will improve the streetscape of the town and provide space for both public and private use.

“The apartments will appeal to first time buyers and downsizers. The scheme seizes the opportunity to establish a new public square and thoroughfare with bench seating and trees, linking George Street with the Co-op, creating a new attraction for the town and hopefully stimulating footfall.”

A Partridges spokesman said: “The granting of planning permission for this redevelopment of the site brings an opportunity to rejuvenate this iconic shop and fits sympathetically into Hadleigh’s historic environment.

“It is our hope that the legacy of Partridges will continue for many years to come and Hadleigh will continue to flourish.”