Hear from some of the 300+ families who have moved from outdated, poor-quality council homes into some of the 1,000+ new high-quality, sustainable council homes built by Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP).
Formed in 2017 as an equal partnership between Cambridge City Council and housebuilder The Hill Group, CIP is delivering on its mission to regenerate ageing council estates, raise living standards and deliver the next generation of sustainable council housing alongside much-needed market sale homes.
Through the rehoming programme, the council ensures that every council tenant affected by estate regeneration receives personalised support, including:
- financial compensation
- tailored relocation advice and logistical help
- the right to return to a new home in the redeveloped estate
- prioritised access to high-quality new-build council homes.
Cllr Gerri Bird, Cabinet Member for Housing at Cambridge City Council and CIP board member, said: “We understand that moving home can be unsettling, especially for those who have lived in their homes for many years. Through our rehoming programme, we offer a wide range of support for residents, including compensation, practical help with moving, as well as ongoing one-to-one support. We also try to keep neighbours and communities together, helping those who wish to stay close relocate to homes in the same new development.
“Our estate regeneration programme is vital to ensure families move from outdated and sometimes unfit homes to modern, warm and healthy homes that provide the quality of life they deserve. I am really proud that, through CIP, we have been able to help over 300 families do just that, and we’re continuing to work with many more as we shape a better future for housing in Cambridge.”
Tom Hill, Managing Director at The Hill Group, added: “Through CIP, our focus has always been on people, not just buildings. The success of the rehoming process reflects the importance of early and ongoing engagement, building trust, and working closely with residents to understand and meet their individual needs. The number of families we’ve supported into new homes is a clear testament to that collaborative approach. We’re proud to help residents find not just a new home, but greater comfort, security and pride in where they live.
“I’m especially pleased that many have chosen to move into homes on our new CIP developments. These gas-free, energy-efficient properties are built to high standards, reducing running costs and contributing to better health and wellbeing.”
Diana Minns lived in Hanover and Princess Courts for almost 23 years before moving to CIP’s Ironworks development in 2022. Her three-bedroom flat at Hanover Court had provided stability for herself and her children, but by 2021, the estate was no longer fit for purpose, with structural issues, cladding concerns, and homes not meeting modern standards. She was offered the chance to move to a new home at Ironworks or Timberworks.
Diana received top priority on the council’s HomeLink system, a grant to cover moving costs, and a home loss payment, which helped her furnish her new home.
Diana said: “It was a huge decision to leave the place I’d lived the longest, but the council’s support made the move possible, both practically and emotionally. I love that my new flat is energy efficient, quiet and healthy to live in. If regeneration happens in your area, seize the opportunity; it can be the start of something positive.”
Michael Fieldhouse moved to a ground-floor apartment at Colville Road Phase 3 after living in Ekin Road for 20 years. In 2021, the council began extensive consultations with residents about the estate’s future, after it was identified as a potential redevelopment site due to significant maintenance and structural issues in some of the homes.
Michael said: “Leaving my old home after so many years was a big step, but the support I received made the move smooth and reassuring. My new home is brighter, warmer, and more energy efficient to run; it’s transformed my quality of life. I feel part of a community again, and I’m proud to call it home.”
When the council first introduced plans to regenerate the Ekin Road estate, long-term resident Vera Guida (below) was hesitant. But, after ongoing conversations with the council’s housing team, she began to reflect on the long-standing issues in her home, particularly persistent mould, and realised these problems could only worsen without significant redevelopment.
Vera said: “After receiving all the information about the planned redevelopment, we were supported through the rehoming process. With financial assistance from the council and guidance from the HomeLink service, I began searching for a new place to call home. I was thrilled when a brand-new two-bedroom house became available at Colville Road. I never expected to be offered a house, and I was so happy, especially as I liked the area, with its good schools and excellent transport links. The council and CIP teams were incredibly supportive, and I honestly can’t fault the process.”
All new homes developed through CIP meet or exceed national space standards, with many built to the council’s CamStandard. The partnership also delivers social value through jobs, apprenticeships, and community investment, ensuring each regeneration benefits the wider neighbourhood.
With a pipeline of over 2,000 homes, including at least 1,000 new council homes, CIP continues to play a vital role in addressing Cambridge’s housing needs while contributing to national efforts to improve the standard of council housing across the UK.
Find out more about Cambridge Investment Partnership.
