The first phase of a 92-home development at the site of a former council HQ has been completed.

Chambers Green in Needham Market is being created at the old Mid Suffolk District Council headquarters, and will consist of a mix of 92 homes for sale, affordable rent, and a retail outlet.

The completed first phase includes 32 new homes and a new East of England Co-op food store to support the growing development and community, opening its doors in the coming months.

East Anglian Daily Times: External side views of the Chamber Green developmentExternal side views of the Chamber Green development (Image: Lucy Taylor Photography)

An additional 60 homes will be added to the site in phase two with work expected to start later this year.

The conversion of the listed buildings will provide flats that will retain the original character and features of the buildings, with a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses being delivered on the remainder of the site.

Lavinia Hadingham, Mid Suffolk cabinet member for housing, said: “The completion of phase one on this development is already making a difference in the lives of our residents, and I’m thrilled to see it coming together step by step.

"This development is not just about providing homes for the present but also ensures that the town is sustainable going forward.

East Anglian Daily Times: Daniel Hughes presents phase one Chamber Green keys to Lavinia Hadingham, Mid Suffolk District Council’s cabinet member for housingDaniel Hughes presents phase one Chamber Green keys to Lavinia Hadingham, Mid Suffolk District Council’s cabinet member for housing (Image: Lucy Taylor Photography)

"The council remains focussed on meeting the housing needs of the whole community, adding to our council housing stock and having homes available for those wishing to own property too.”

The new development comes alongside the transformation of the former middle school and the creation of a further 41 homes, meeting the demand for housing in the town as part of the council’s wider vision for Needham Market.

The housing developments at Chambers Green and the former middle school are part of Mid Suffolk District Council’s Invest in Needham programme, which includes a new library that opened at the former middle school site in February and a new café and visitor centre at Needham Lake that opened in May.

The whole development is being delivered by Mid Suffolk Growth, a joint venture between Mid Suffolk District Council and the Norse Group.