Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP), the equal partnership between Cambridge City Council and award-winning housebuilder, The Hill Group has completed its latest development at Colville Road Phase 3. The project features 48 new council homes and four commercial units, reinforcing CIP’s commitment to addressing the need for more affordable homes in Cambridge.
The completion was celebrated with a tree-planting event featuring pupils from Colville Road Primary School, who joined ward councillors, Homes England and members of the CIP team. The event marks the culmination of a community-focused journey that began when CIP donated trees from site to the school. It was a fitting conclusion for the children to return and plant the remaining trees at the development, enhancing the local green space.
Designed by architects BPTW, the development offers a mix of one and two-bedroom council-rented apartments and three-bedroom council homes, aimed at meeting the growing housing need in Cambridge. Alongside these new homes, four new commercial units have been built to support local businesses and enhance the vibrancy of the area.
CIP has ensured strong collaboration with the community throughout the project. Prior to construction, CIP engaged with local businesses to ensure their ability to continue operations during the build. Temporary commercial units were put in place, allowing businesses to remain active and continue serving the needs of the local community during the development.
Cllr Gerri Bird, Executive Councillor for Housing at Cambridge City Council and CIP board member said, “We are thrilled that the local school children were able to join us to mark the completion of these much-needed new council homes.
“This development reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality affordable housing for Cambridge residents. Our partnership with the community and local businesses has been key to the success of this project. We are delighted to see Colville Road Phase 3 come to life, providing much-needed new homes while supporting local enterprises.”
Tom Hill, Managing Director of The Hill Group comments, “It was great to welcome the pupils from Colville Road back to site for this special occasion. Throughout our time here, we have enjoyed working with the school, hosting site visits and building buddy shelters and mud kitchens for their playground as well as donating raffle prizes and construction dressing up costumes.
“Colville Road is a testament to our dedication to creating sustainable, community-centred developments that address Cambridge’s housing challenges. We are proud to have replaced 18 poor-quality council homes that were no longer fit for purpose with high-quality, low-carbon new homes for residents, enhancing the overall quality of life in the city.”
The new homes meet high sustainability specifications, eliminating gas usage entirely and adhering to national space standards. Built using a ‘fabric first’ approach, they feature increased insulation and air tightness, for enhanced energy efficiency. Heating is provided through low carbon Air Source Heat Pumps, while Mechanical Ventilated Heat Recovery systems ensure a healthy flow of air. Photovoltaic panels have been installed to generate additional electricity.
Other sustainable features include green roofs on the flat buildings to increase thermal mass and support biodiversity. A sustainable drainage system will manage surface water runoff, helping to improve local water distribution.
The existing green space, vital for residents’ wellbeing, has been preserved and enhanced with rain gardens and bio-diverse landscaping. High levels of cycle storage and electric vehicle charging points encourage sustainable transportation.
