The final bricks have been laid at one of Cambridge City Council’s flagship developments.
Built through its housebuilding partnership with the Hill Group, Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP), the new development at Barnwell Square in East Barnwell will provide 120 council homes for Cambridge residents.
The high-quality, sustainable homes are being delivered to Cambridge City Council’s Cam Standard, which supports households to use less energy – resulting in lower carbon emissions, better climate resilience and reduced household energy bills.
Cllr Gerri Bird, Cambridge City Council Cabinet Member for Housing and CIP board member said: “Everyone deserves a warm, secure and affordable home, and this development demonstrates how our partnership can deliver high-quality, sustainable new homes – replacing 18 ageing homes with 120 new council homes.
“By building to the Cam Standard, we are not only reducing carbon emissions but also helping residents benefit from lower energy use and healthier homes.
“Barnwell Square shows the importance of creating neighbourhoods that support biodiversity, active travel and long-term community wellbeing, while providing homes that will make a real difference to people across the city.”
Councillors, representatives from Homes England, One Public Estate, Abbey People and the CIP team attended a ‘golden brick’ event on June 24 to celebrate the project’s latest milestone.
Located in the Abbey ward of Cambridge, Barnwell Square will also include a range of community facilities, including a community centre, a library, a pre-school and commercial units across two phases.
Tom Hill, Managing Director for The Hill Group, said: “Reaching this milestone at Barnwell Square marks significant progress in delivering sustainable new communities for Cambridge.
“Working in partnership through CIP, we are transforming outdated housing into new energy-efficient homes designed to meet the needs of both current and future residents.
“This development continues to highlight how collaboration can successfully deliver high-quality homes, community facilities and lasting environmental benefits while supporting the city’s wider housing ambitions.”
The development will replace the 18 ageing flats with a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom maisonettes, including four homes specifically designed for people with disabilities.
Designed by architects BPTW, the gas-free development has a strong focus on sustainability, biodiversity and active travel and includes tree-lined streets, biodiverse planting, enhanced pedestrian and cycle routes, green roofs and a new public square. The project will also achieve a 20% biodiversity net gain.
