An innovative housing development project that will see construction students from West Suffolk College work alongside Havebury Housing Partnership to build seven new affordable homes is under way.

The project, which is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK and has a cost of around £900,000, will see the construction of five high specification houses and two flats on a former underused garage site on Mitchell Avenue, Bury St Edmunds.

Nikos Savvas, college principal said student bricklayers, plasterers, carpenters, who will focus exclusively on the flats, will receive unprecedented hands on experience of a real life development project alongside members of the Havebury team, Infinity Architects, Cocksedge Building Contractors and Oxbury and Co.

He added: “This collaboration offers an exceptional educational experience to develop the next generation of construction professionals who will be ready to meet the growing demand for new homes in the region.

“It is an exceptional project that demonstrates how powerful collaborations between business and education can be. Colleges are the link between education and industry and we are proud of the role we play in providing the workforces of the future.”

Suzanne Newman, development manager at Havebury said: “We are looking forward to getting the students on site and creating more affordable homes in St Edmundsbury. This project will provide a fantastic opportunity for students to be involved in creating homes for those in housing need, whilst gaining some valuable work experience.”

Designs for the build were submitted earlier this year by HE students on the Construction Management and Building Services courses and developed by one of Havebury’s consultant architects.

All work carried out on the project by the students will contribute towards course qualifications.