Joint venture partners Cambridge City Council and The Hill Group have submitted plans to deliver 165 new homes on the site of two residential blocks in Cambridge.
Through their joint venture vehicle, Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP), the council and The Hill Group will transform Hanover and Princess Courts, which between them currently provide 127 one-, two- and three-bedroom homes – 82 council homes and 45 privately owned homes – into 72 council homes and 93 private sale homes.
The existing buildings, which are located just off Hills Road in Cambridge, have been deemed unsafe due to structural issues and fire risks.
Gerri Bird, cabinet member for Housing at Cambridge City Council and CIP board member, said: “These homes need to be demolished as they are not fit for purpose for current residents, so we’ve been looking at the most cost-effective way to redevelop the site to provide new, high-quality council homes for current and future council tenants.
“We are committed to improving the quality of housing for tenants living in ageing council properties like these, and building new high quality council and market homes to meet growing demand – including more accessible homes for disabled residents. The reality is that to cover the costs of redevelopment projects like this, we need to build some private homes too, to reinvest the profit from selling those homes into building the new council homes.
“Throughout the process, we’ve worked with existing residents, offering them advice, financial help with moving, logistical support and ensuring they receive the compensation they’re entitled to. Many tenants have already been able to move into other new, high quality homes built by CIP, giving them a fresh start in healthier and more comfortable homes.”
Tom Hill, managing director of The Hill Group, added: “As a partnership, we pride ourselves on creating inclusive, high quality developments where all homes, regardless of tenure, are built to the same high architectural and material standards. Our proposals reflect this commitment, with homes designed to foster comfort, accessibility and a strong connection to nature.
“Our team and consultants have worked tirelessly to ensure the designs respond sensitively to the heritage of the area while delivering green spaces that enhance wellbeing, biodiversity, climate resilience and placemaking.”
