Guests from Homes England joined Councillors and members of Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP), an equal partnership between Cambridge City Council and award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group, to mark the completion of L2 Orchard Park in Cambridge.

The development, comprising 75 new homes, has been delivered through a funding agreement from Homes England. 30 of the homes are for social rent, while a further 45 are affordable rent homes (available at 80% of the average private rental rate in Cambridge), with the City Council as landlord for all the properties.

Cllr Gerri Bird, Executive Councillor for Housing and Homelessness at Cambridge City Council and CIP board member said, “With house prices in the city rising by 78% in the last 10 years and Cambridge being one of the most expensive places to live in the UK, there is an acute need to provide high-quality, affordable new homes for those on lower and middle incomes.

“Our Orchard Park development is an example of how this can be achieved by providing a mix of council homes, including those at 80% of market rents, to ensure that those who struggle to rent or buy locally and don’t qualify for council homes are still able to live in a secure, sustainable new home.”

The highly sustainable development has been designed by Mole Architects and features two apartment blocks and a row of coach houses. All the homes are gas-free, with heating provided through air-source heat pumps. Other sustainable features include biodiverse green roofs and high levels of insulation to reduce the impact of fuel poverty.

Tom Hill, Managing Director at The Hill Group comments, “We are delighted to complete our latest development, which has created a brand-new community on what was one of the last parcels of land allocated for housing in Orchard Park.

“As part of the development, we have also made improvements to the adjacent open space, which we hope local residents will benefit from and enjoy for years to come.”

The recreational and biodiversity improvements include a community growing garden, pergola and seating area, trim trail, running track, table tennis table, and generous planting.

There are also six electric vehicle charging spaces, one hybrid/electric car club vehicle, and above policy cycle parking provision for 124 bike spaces. The development also benefits from excellent walking, cycling, and public transport links for residents, including Cambridge North station which is close by.

Local workers interested in the 80% market rent homes should register here: https://www.home-link.org.uk/choice/

For further information about Cambridge Investment Partnership please visit www.ip-cambridge.co.uk