Local children share their vision of ‘homes in future’

03/10/23

Eye schoolchildren share their visions of ‘homes in future’ to celebrate the transformation of a former care home

Mid Suffolk District Council invited youngsters from St Peter and St Paul’s CoE Primary School to take part in a Homes of the Future drawing competition – with the winning designs to feature on the hoardings surrounding the town’s Paddock House development.

The site of former care home, disused for the last 10 years, was bought by Mid Suffolk District Council from Suffolk County Council back in 2017 and earmarked for the development of 16 affordable homes for the local community, comprising of ten shared ownership properties and six affordable rent.

Demolition is now complete and Mid Suffolk District Council is set to appoint a construction contractor by the end of the year.

In the meantime, hoardings are up to secure the site, with the children’s artwork showing what they think homes will look like in future incorporated in the signage.

Cllr Richard Winch, Mid Suffolk District Council’s cabinet member for Housing and Property, said:

“I’m delighted to see the children’s work used to highlight the partnership working behind this development. The project has been the result of extensive consultation and engagement with the local community and stakeholders, and it’s great to see it starting to take shape.”

The winning entries, created by Archie and Mila aged 8 and Grace, Harry, Heidi, Rachel and Robin aged 11, were selected by Mid Suffolk District Councillor Lucy Elkin, Eye Town Mayor Councillor Clive Hill, Cllr Mary Ager and the school’s executive headteacher Gemma Watts.

Ward Councillor Lucy Elkin said:

"The development of Paddock House will bring some much-needed affordable homes to Eye. The children at St Peter and St Paul's Primary created some really wonderful artwork sharing their ideas about housing in the future.

“The winning paintings will really brighten up the fencing around the Paddock House site - giving us all something inspiring and interesting to look at while the building work is underway."

Paddock House homes of the future colouring competition winners