A significant milestone has been celebrated in the construction of 120 new council homes at Cambridge Investment Partnership’s (CIP) East Barnwell development in the Abbey ward of Cambridge, with a topping-out event marking the highest point of the project build.
Councillors, representatives from Homes England, One Public Estate, Abbey People and other partners attended a recent onsite event to celebrate the achievement.
Delivered by CIP, an equal partnership between Cambridge City Council and The Hill Group, the development will also provide a variety of community facilities, including a community centre, library, a pre-school and commercial units across two phases. These facilities are designed to create a thriving and active community hub to support those living and working in the area.
The new development replaces 18 ageing flats with 120 new council homes. 48 of these will be ‘social rent’, the council rent most people will be familiar with, which is set at around 35% to 40% of the local market rent. 72 will be affordable rent, available at around 80% of the local market rent, supporting local workers who may not be eligible for traditional council homes but struggle to pay high rents in the city. Four of the new homes have been specifically designed for people with disabilities. The sustainable gas-free properties will include a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom maisonettes, with a strong focus on reducing carbon emissions, energy bills, and annual maintenance costs.
Cllr Gerri Bird, Cabinet Member for Housing at Cambridge City Council and CIP board member, said: “Reaching the highest point of the East Barnwell development is a fantastic milestone. These new homes will make a real difference for local families, providing safe, sustainable, and affordable places to live. Alongside the council homes, the 80% rent properties will help those who might otherwise be priced out of living in Cambridge, ensuring our housing programme supports the whole community.”
The development will also deliver a 20% biodiversity net gain through a carefully considered landscaping design, including tree-lined streets with biodiverse planting, a new public community square, ample open space and the retention of existing trees and hedgerows wherever possible. Enhanced pedestrian and cycle routes will encourage sustainable commuting, while all flat roofs will feature green roofs for effective rainwater management.
Tom Hill, Managing Director of The Hill Group, commented: “Reaching the topping out stage at East Barnwell is a proud moment for everyone involved. This development demonstrates our commitment to creating sustainable homes and community spaces that meet the needs of residents. It’s exciting to see this project taking shape and the positive impact it will have on the neighbourhood.”
Once completed, the library and preschool will be leased to Cambridgeshire County Council, with the council leasing the pre-school to an operator. Cambridge City Council will retain ownership of the community centre as part of its strategic approach to support communities.
The development has been designed by the architect and urban design practice, BPTW.
Header image: Topping out at East Barnwell by Cllr Simon Smith, Cambridge City Council
