A new row of houses built on the site of demolished office block has been officially opened.

The six two-bedroom homes have been unveiled on Milton Road East, Lowestoft, on land once occupied by the Shaw Trust offices.

Four of the first group of tenants have now moved in.

They are among the first former residents of St Peter’s Court, the nearby 1960s tower block, to be moved to new accommodation ahead of its planned demolition next year.

The former Shaw Trust offices in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe former Shaw Trust offices in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The Shaw Trust block had been empty since 2019 when the charity, which provides employment and education opportunities, moved out.

The site was acquired by East Suffolk Council two years later, so it could be developed into affordable homes.

The former Shaw Trust offices in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe former Shaw Trust offices in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The following year, the authority approved the housing plans and the offices were demolished in summer 2023.

David Beavan, East Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: "This is a win, win, win.

Demolition work at the site of the former Shaw Trust offices in Lowestoft began in the summer of last year. Picture: Mick HowesDemolition work at the site of the former Shaw Trust offices in Lowestoft began in the summer of last year. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

A win for social housing, a win for the environment and a win for Lowestoft with a redeveloped brownfield site."

The properties were built by Needhams Building Contractors, in partnership with project managers Orwell Housing Association and chartered quantity surveyors Hyams QS Ltd.

The new homes were designed by Rees Pryer Architects and part funded by Homes England.

 

All six homes feature private rear gardens, air source heat pumps, electric vehicle chargers and solar photovoltaic panels, with off-road parking for five cars.

The progress being made earlier this year on site at East Suffolk Council's housing development on Milton Road East in Lowestoft. Picture: East Suffolk CouncilThe progress being made earlier this year on site at East Suffolk Council's housing development on Milton Road East in Lowestoft. Picture: East Suffolk Council (Image: East Suffolk Council)

Dawn Edwards, head of development for Orwell Housing, said: "It’s great to see a redundant site so close to Lowestoft High Street being brought back in to use."

Stephen Lewis, quantity surveyor at Needhams Contracts Ltd, said: "Each home has been thoughtfully designed to meet modern standards of energy efficiency, ensuring a comfortable living environment for residents."