A development of 14 new council homes in Akeman Street, Cambridge has been officially named after Cambridge’s former Mayor, Cllr Nigel Gawthrope who died suddenly on holiday in 2019.
Cambridge Investment Partnership held a ribbon cutting event to officially mark the naming of Nigel Gawthrope Court, with his wife Cllr Jenny Gawthrope Wood and brother Nick in attendance along with other members of the family, councillors from across the council and members of the CIP team.
Cllr Gerri Bird, Executive Councillor for Housing at Cambridge City Council and CIP board member said: “We are really honoured to be able to be here today to fondly remember Nigel and name one of our first partnership developments after him. I have so many wonderful memories of working with him and speak on behalf of the whole council to say he is sadly missed.”
Akeman Street saw the replacement of an older building with 14 new council homes, comprising eight, one-bedroom apartments and six, two-bedroom maisonettes, along with three retail units and a new community centre.
Designed by Mole Architects, the six maisonettes are located over the new community centre and retail spaces while a communal courtyard garden to the rear separates the two buildings with a further eight flats located to rear of the site. A new café will also be opening shortly.
Cllr Jenny Gawthrope Wood said: “I am privileged that Cambridge City Council and CIP have decided to name Nigel Gawthrope Court after my husband who was brought up in Cambridge — initially he lived very close by in Arbury and later in King’s Hedges. Both were City Council houses. I miss him so much, but this is a lasting memory to his love of Cambridge, his public service, socialist principles, and the importance of providing good quality council homes.”
Tom Hill, Managing Director of The Hill Group commented: “As a partner in the delivery of this important development for Cambridge, we were deeply honoured to attend the official naming of Nigel Gawthrope Court, a touching tribute to the late councillor’s contributions to the community.
“It was a humbling experience to see his family and colleagues present, including his widow who continues to serve the city as a councillor. We take great pride in having collaborated with Cambridge City Council to provide much-needed homes for the community here, and we hope that the naming of this development will stand as a lasting symbol of the late councillor’s commitment to public service and his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of residents. Nigel Gawthrope’s legacy will continue to inspire us as we work towards creating vibrant, thriving communities for generations to come.”
Header image: Cllr Gerri Bird (left) and Cllr Jenny Gawthrope Wood officially cut the ribbon at Akeman Street.
