Construction of 45 new council homes and 39 market sale homes on Fanshawe Road, near Coleridge Recreation Ground in Cambridge, has reached a key milestone, marked by a topping-out ceremony to celebrate the development reaching its highest point of construction.
The development is being delivered by Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP), the equal partnership between Cambridge City Council and award-winning housebuilder, The Hill Group, with the event attended by councillors, CIP board members and the project team. Once complete, it will provide a total of 84 new homes, all designed to meet or exceed the ‘Cam Standard’. Introduced by Cambridge City Council, this standard ensures that every new home delivers low operational energy usage, high levels of thermal comfort, and strong resilience to future climate impacts.
The new development replaces 30 ageing homes (20 council apartments and 10 leasehold apartments) built in the 1950s, which were no longer cost-effective to maintain or renovate. Extensive consultations were carried out with residents, who were supported throughout the rehoming process with advice, financial assistance for moving and logistical help, alongside receiving the compensation that anyone is entitled to when asked to move to enable redevelopment.
Of the 45 new council homes, 34 will be offered at 60% of the market rate, while the remaining 11 will be available at 80% of the market rate. Homes at the lower rent level are intended for people who have a high priority for council housing, including those likely to have their rent paid by Universal Credit.
The rents discounted to 80% of market rates form part of a new tenure the council is offering for some new build homes, intended for people who would not have a high priority for council housing but would nonetheless struggle with high private rents in the city, such as nurses or newly qualified teachers. Four of the new homes have also been specifically designed for people with disabilities.
Cllr Gerri Bird, Cabinet Member for Housing at Cambridge City Council and CIP board member, said:
“Today marks a real step forward for residents in this part of Cambridge. Fanshawe Road will increase the number of council homes on the site from 20 to 45, while replacing ageing homes with higher-quality, energy-efficient homes that people can feel proud to live in, including those who need accessible housing. I’m pleased that we have been able to support former residents throughout the redevelopment process, and I look forward to welcoming families into their new homes in the coming months.”
The market sale homes at Fanshawe Road also play a vital part in helping address housing affordability in Cambridge by increasing supply, with the council’s profits from sales reinvested into future CIP projects, including the delivery of more new council homes and essential community facilities.
Tom Hill, Managing Director of The Hill Group, comments:
“This is an important moment in delivering new high-quality council homes for Cambridge. Fanshawe Road demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnership working. CIP continues to deliver the high-quality, affordable homes that Cambridge urgently needs, while reinvesting in future projects that benefit the wider community long after construction has finished.”
The Fanshawe Road development will comprise 76 homes across four apartment buildings, complemented by eight houses located on the eastern and western boundaries of the site.
As part of the new project, the protected open space on the site will be reconfigured, enhanced and slightly increased. A new play area and family-friendly amenities will also be added, creating a welcoming environment for the community to enjoy. A green corridor will connect Fanshawe Road to Coleridge Recreation Ground, improving accessibility and fostering links to surrounding areas. Existing mature trees on the site have been preserved, and 27 new trees will be planted alongside wildflowers, bat boxes and bird boxes, contributing to a 35% net biodiversity gain.
All properties will be gas-free and equipped with advanced insulation to minimise heat loss. Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems will ensure optimal air quality for residents, while communal air-source heat pumps and solar photovoltaic panelswill enhance the overall sustainability of the development.
To reduce the impact on local water resources, passive water-saving measures will be installed to ensure efficient flow to taps, showers and toilets. The inclusion of underground bins, which have greater capacities, will help reduce the frequency of waste collections and save energy.
All the homes will enjoy views of green open space, with 85% offering dual aspects. Green roofs across the development will aid rainwater management and promote urban biodiversity. The development will encourage sustainable travel through enhanced pedestrian and cycle routes, secure cycle parking and the provision of electric vehicle (EV) charging points.
For further information about Cambridge Investment Partnership please visit www.ip-cambridge.co.uk