Bellway Homes begins construction on 200 homes for Ipswich Garden Suburb’s Fonnereau neighbourhood

Work has begun to build nearly 200 houses as part of an 800-home estate on the outskirts of Ipswich.

Bellway Homes began construction of 198 dwellings at Westerfield Grove, part of Ipswich Garden Suburb’s Fonnereau neighbourhood, in late October.

The homes, which sit south of the railway line off Westerfield Road, will be made up of two, three and four-bedroom houses and two-bedroom flats.

Philip Standen, managing director for Bellway Essex, said Westerfield Grove was designed to bring ‘exceptionally high standards for placemaking’ to the suburb.

He said: “In line with the masterplan for the wider delivery of 3,500 homes, Bellway will create a sustainable, eco-friendly community of high-quality homes.”

Plans for Ipswich Garden Suburb include a new primary school, bus routes and a retail area for shops, restaurants and a health centre.

“This will support the new neighbourhood, create long-term employment opportunities and help to attract more investment in the area,” Mr Standen said.

Of the 198 homes being build, 22 will be affordable while 53 will be ‘accessible and adaptable’.

Eventually, Fonnereau neighbourhood is expected to comprise 815 homes and two parks.

The first homes could be on the market as early as summer 2025, Bellway said, with the expectation they would be completed by early 2026.

Aside from Fonnereau neighbourhood, Ipswich Garden Suburb will contain two other estates – Henley Gate and Red House.

The suburb will also feature two bridges, with one accommodating vehicles and the second for pedestrians and bicycles.

Plans for a 600-place secondary school recently fell through due to high costs, which has resulted in Suffolk County Council entering talks to expand Northgate High School and Ormiston Endeavour Academy.

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