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Business Details
48 Years
experience
Expert Construction Solutions in Ipswich
Since 1978, Barnes Construction has delivered exceptional projects through collaboration with clients, suppliers, and consultants. Our family-owned business prioritises long-term relationships and sustainable practices across diverse sectors, including education, healthcare, and residential developments. With a workforce where 36% are graduates and a management trainee scheme, we maintain low staff turnover and a culture of valuing every employee. Our commitment to social value includes reinvesting in local economies, diverting 98% of waste from landfill, and dedicating at least 1% of profits to charitable causes annually.

Recognised with awards such as the RICS Community Benefit Award, we align our operations with the UKs net-zero goals while maintaining traditional values of respect and trustworthiness. Client testimonials highlight our ability to resolve challenges efficiently, deliver high-quality finishes, and engage proactively with local communities.
Services
Commercial Construction Residential Development Healthcare Projects Education Sector Builds Refurbishment & Fitout Sustainable Construction Hotel & Leisure Projects Industrial Construction Community Infrastructure Decarbonisation Projects
Details
  • Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
  • We have over 45 years of experience in construction across diverse sectors.
  • Our collaborative approach ensures tailored solutions for client-specific needs.
  • We prioritise sustainability, diverting 98% of waste from landfill annually.
  • Our workforce includes 36% graduates, ensuring technical expertise and innovation.
  • We reinvest in communities, delivering at least 1% of profits to charitable causes.
Associations and certifications
  • ISO 9001
  • ISO 14001
  • ISO 27001
What people say
Exceptional quality Collaborative approach Reliable delivery High standards Proactive problem-solving
Services
Commercial Construction
Barnes Construction delivers bespoke commercial projects, including office spaces and retail units. Our approach combines modern design with practical functionality, ensuring spaces meet business needs while adhering to sustainability standards. Clients benefit from our 45-year track record in creating energy-efficient, future-ready commercial environments.
Education Sector Builds
We specialise in constructing and refurbishing educational facilities, from primary schools to university buildings. Our projects prioritise safe, inspiring learning environments with features like adaptable classrooms and sustainable infrastructure. Recent work includes the award-winning Sybil Andrews Academy, completed in two years with minimal disruption.
Healthcare Construction
Our healthcare projects include hospitals, hospices, and clinics built to strict regulatory standards. We focus on infection control, accessibility, and patient comfort, as demonstrated in the Urgent Treatment Centre at Ipswich Hospital and Arthur Rank Hospice developments.
Residential Development
We create residential schemes ranging from affordable housing to luxury apartments. Our work integrates energy-efficient systems and community-focused design, exemplified by the 15 Almhouses in Girton and sustainable housing developments in Suffolk.
Refurbishment & Fitout
Specialising in heritage and modern building upgrades, we balance preservation with modernisation. Recent projects include King's College Chapel roof replacement and the transformation of historic buildings into contemporary student accommodations while maintaining architectural integrity.
People
David Barnes
Founder
Founded Barnes Construction in 1978, David established a family culture focused on employee welfare and community impact. His vision for collaborative, trustworthy operations continues to shape the company's values today.
Daniel Sheldrake
Associate Divisional Director
Leading business development, Daniel represents Barnes Construction in client engagements. With expertise in construction management, he ensures projects align with the company's standards of quality and sustainability.
Questions
What sectors does Barnes Construction specialise in?
We specialise in education, healthcare, residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects across East Anglia.
How does Barnes Construction support sustainability?
We divert 98% of waste from landfill, use sustainable materials, and align projects with UK net-zero carbon goals.
Are your construction services available outside Suffolk?
Yes, we operate across Essex, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and other parts of East Anglia.
How do you ensure project quality?
Our ISO certifications, experienced workforce, and client-focused collaboration ensure high-quality delivery on every project.
Do you work on listed building refurbishments?
Yes, we have expertise in sensitive refurbishments of historic and listed buildings.