Sampson Green: from industrial past to affordable future – Ipswich welcomes new housing development
17 October 2025
Local stakeholders gather to mark the regeneration of Sandyhill Lane’s Top Site into affordable, sustainable homes for local families
Local councillors and representatives from Legal & General and United Living came together to celebrate the opening of Sampson Green, a new affordable housing development off Sandyhill Lane in Ipswich.
The scheme provides a total of 88 houses on what was an unused industrial site. 71 can be bought through Shared Ownership, where customers buy part of the home and rent the rest with opportunities to increase their share over time. Shared Ownership can help people to buy a home with a smaller deposit.
The development also provides 17 social rent properties, which will be prioritised for those on Ipswich Borough Council’s housing waiting list.
Cllr Alasdair Ross, portfolio holder for housing at IBC and ward councillors for Gainsborough, Cllr Lynne Mortimer and Cllr Martin Cook, attended the launch event alongside Anette Simpson, Director of Development and Partnerships at L&G’s Affordable Homes division, and Tim Carpenter, Managing Director at United Living, the contractor delivering the scheme.
From brownfield to community asset
The Top Site, had remained vacant for nearly 30 years and has now delivered high quality affordable two-, three- and four-bedroom houses, reflecting L&G’s commitment to unlocking land for housing where affordable homes are needed most.
The houses come with sustainable features as standard, including solar panels and EV charging points. They are carefully designed to support lower bills with features like electric panel radiators and water cylinders – making the homes free of gas usage. Each property comes with at least two parking bays, a private garden and appliances – all designed to support modern living standards.
The new homes are set within over four acres of beautifully landscaped open space featuring native hedgerows, ornamental shrubs, a wildflower meadow and picturesque walkways, complementing Ipswich’s natural beauty. For local families, there’s a dedicated play area offering a safe and engaging space for children to explore and thrive.
Meeting Ipswich’s housing needs
Sampson Green supports IBC’s housing strategy by helping to address the need for affordable homes in the area, especially larger houses suitable for families.
Cllr Alasdair Ross, portfolio holder for housing at IBC, said: “Any increase in affordable homes for local people is good news. Alongside this site, the council is working hard on its housing strategy to prevent and tackle homelessness, build more high quality council housing and support all our residents who call Ipswich their home.”
Anette Simpson, Director of Development and Partnerships at L&G’s affordable homes division, said: “This site has gone unused for decades and we’re proud of our part in bringing it back to life with much-needed homes, play spaces and new landscaping.
“It is fantastic to see L&G, United Living and Ipswich Borough Council working together to deliver the homes the community needs, and we very much look forward to welcoming our first residents later this year.”
Opportunities for potential buyers to live in a well-connected and community-focused development
Located just two miles from Ipswich’s waterfront and with easy access to the A14, A12, and London Stansted Airport, Sampson Green is ideally placed for commuters and families. The site is also within walking distance of good primary and secondary schools, parks and public transport links.
Homes are available to buy from a £5,000 deposit and £100,000 for a 40% share for a two-bedroom house. The price for a three-bedroom house starts at £122,000 for 40% share (full price £305,000) and for a four-bedroom house the starting price is £146,000 for 40% share (full price £365,000).
For more details and to register your interest, please visit Sampson Green.
Sampson Green is hosting a customer event on Saturday 18 October from 10am – 4pm where potential buyers can have tours of the new homes. Along with coffee and refreshments, the friendly site team will also be on hand to answer all questions related to the properties, the local area and amenities and buying via Shared Ownership. For more details about the event and how to book your place for it, visit landgah.com/sampson-green