Construction has officially started on the redevelopment of Fanshawe Road in Cambridge after former residents were rehomed. The project, led by Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP)—a collaboration between Cambridge City Council and housebuilder The Hill Group—aims to replace ageing housing with modern, sustainable homes.
Why the Redevelopment Was Needed
The site previously contained 30 homes, including 20 council apartments and 10 leasehold apartments, built in the 1950s. However, maintaining or renovating these ageing buildings was no longer cost-effective. As a result, the council decided to redevelop the area, providing better-quality homes for future residents.
At a ground-breaking ceremony, councillors, CIP board members, and the project team came together to celebrate this milestone.
What the New Development Will Offer
The Fanshawe Road redevelopment will deliver 84 sustainable homes, including:
- 45 council homes, built to Passivhaus-equivalent performance standards
- 39 market sale homes, which will help fund future council housing projects
Of the 45 council homes:
- 34 will be available at affordable rent, set at 60% of the market rate
- 11 will be available at 80% of the market rate, helping those who don’t qualify for council housing but still struggle to afford private rent
Cllr Gerri Bird, Executive Councillor for Housing and CIP board member, highlighted the importance of this project:
“These new council homes are a vital part of our ongoing efforts to address the housing affordability crisis in Cambridge. They also reflect our commitment to improving accommodation standards and providing homes that support the well-being of our tenants.”
Balancing Private and Council Housing Needs
A portion of the homes will be sold privately, with profits reinvested into future council housing projects and community facilities. A spokesperson for Cambridge City Council explained:
“The market sale homes are a vital part of helping to address housing affordability in Cambridge by providing more homes, with any profit reinvested into future CIP projects, including building more new council homes and essential community facilities.”
A Modern, Sustainable Development
The project will include:
- 76 homes in four apartment buildings
- 8 houses on the site boundaries, including 4 wheelchair-accessible council homes
Additionally, the development will introduce:
- A green corridor linking Fanshawe Road to Coleridge Recreation Ground
- An expanded protected open space
- A new play area and family-friendly amenities
Environmental sustainability is a key focus. The homes will be gas-free and feature:
- Advanced insulation to reduce heat loss
- Communal air-source heat pumps
- Solar photovoltaic panels
- Green roofs for biodiversity
- Passive water-saving measures
- Underground bins for waste management
The project will also contribute to a 35% net biodiversity gain, with:
- 27 new trees planted
- Wildflower areas
- Bat and bird boxes
Community and Council Vision for Housing
The Fanshawe Road redevelopment aligns with Cambridge City Council’s broader strategy to:
- Improve living standards for council tenants
- Build additional council homes to meet local demand
- Address housing supply challenges in the city
Tom Hill, Managing Director of The Hill Group, expressed enthusiasm for the project:
“We are delighted to celebrate this milestone and begin work at Fanshawe Road. This development is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable housing that meets the diverse needs of the Cambridge community.”
The redevelopment of Fanshawe Road marks a significant step towards providing sustainable, affordable housing in Cambridge. By combining council and market-sale homes, improving green spaces, and prioritising energy efficiency, the project aims to meet both current and future housing needs. As construction progresses, the site will transform into a modern, eco-friendly residential community that benefits both new and existing residents.
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