Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP), the equal partnership between Cambridge City Council and award-winning housebuilder, The Hill Group, celebrated the official start on site at Fanshawe Road in Cambridge’s Coleridge ward, with a ground-breaking ceremony.
Ward Councillors joined CIP board members and the project team to mark this significant milestone in the development, which will deliver 84 much-needed sustainable homes, comprising both council and market sale properties.
The development will include 45 council homes, designed to meet Passivhaus-equivalent performance standards, and 39 market sale homes.
Of the 45 council homes, 34 will be offered at affordable rent - set at 60% of the market rate in line with the Council’s standard for new builds – while the remaining 11 will be available at 80% of the market rate. This ensures that those who struggle to rent or buy locally, but don’t qualify for council housing, have a greater chance of accessing secure, high-quality, sustainable new homes at more affordable rates.
The market sale homes are a vital part of helping to address housing affordability in Cambridge by providing more homes, with any profit from the sale of the homes being reinvested into future CIP projects including building more new council homes and essential community facilities.
The site previously accommodated 30 ageing homes (20 council apartments and 10 leasehold apartments) built in the 1950s. These homes were no longer cost-effective to maintain or renovate, leading to a decision to redevelop. Extensive consultations were conducted with residents, who have since been rehomed to facilitate the redevelopment.
Cllr Gerri Bird, Executive Councillor for Housing at Cambridge City Council and CIP board member said, “These new council homes are a vital part of our ongoing efforts to address the housing affordability crisis in Cambridge. They also reflect our commitment to improving accommodation standards and providing homes that support the well-being of our tenants.
“The private homes included in this development will generate crucial funds, enabling us to continue delivering more council homes across the city.”
The Fanshawe Road development will consist of 76 homes spread across four apartment buildings, complemented by eight houses situated on the site’s eastern and western boundaries. This includes four wheelchair-accessible homes for council tenants, exceeding planning policy requirements by 5%.
Fanshawe Road is part of Cambridge City Council’s broader strategy to improve accommodation standards for people living in existing council homes; to build additional council homes to meet local need, and to address wider housing supply issues.
Tom Hill, Managing Director of The Hill Group comments, “We are delighted to celebrate this milestone and begin work at Fanshawe Road. This development is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable housing that meets the diverse needs of the Cambridge community.”
As part of the new development, 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 will be preserved, and 27 new trees will be planted alongside wildflowers, bat boxes and bird boxes, contributing to a 35% net biodiversity gain.
The new homes are designed with sustainability and futureproofing in mind, reflecting the partnership’s and city council’s commitment to low-carbon living. 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, solar photovoltaic panels and biodiverse green roofs will enhance the overall sustainability of the development.
To reduce the impact on local water resources, passive saving measures will be put in place to allow for more efficient flow of water to taps, showers and toilets, and the inclusion of underground bins, which have greater capacities, will reduce the frequency of collections and save energy.
All the homes will enjoy views of green open space, with 85% offering dual aspects. The flat roofs across the development will feature green roofs, aiding in rainwater management and promoting 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.
