When I last wrote we had just received the first stage tender submissions form the shortlisted building contractors and were undertaking an analysis to identify who we would be working with to progress the development.  I’m very pleased to advise that the successful contractor was SEH French Construction.

SEH French are an established, Ipswich based contractor with a successful track record in delivering quality construction projects for regular clients.  They have previously delivered residential schemes for Orwell as well as some of our partner housing associations, and regularly undertake school and healthcare projects for Suffolk County Council and local Health Authorities.  We are very pleased to be partnering with them and are confident that they will be committed to delivering an excellent development.  If you’re interested in finding out more about SEH French further information can be found at www.sehfrench.co.uk.

We have started work with SEH French on the large number of tasks that need to be completed in preparation for the start of construction.  These tasks have been expertly identified and programmed out by SEH French, and this exercise has established that there is more to do than we expected, and it will take us longer to get to site for construction than we first thought.  We now plan to commence construction proper in January 2020, although you will see activity on the site over the coming weeks and months as SEH French, and the professional consultants and sub-contractors, carry out further surveying and investigation work to determine the precise detail of the build.

We are also working with Babergh District Council to bring forward the development of a further three bungalows for rent on land that they own to the rear of Mackenzie Place.  These bungalows will be accessed from the new road being laid for Orwell’s development and are planned to be built at the same time as our first phase of construction.  We hope to submit a planning application for the bungalows on behalf of Babergh District Council later this summer and plans will be available to view on line in the usual way.   Alternatively, please contact myself or your Parish Council Clerk for further information.

 

Dawn Edwards
Development Manager
Orwell Housing Association