67 new sustainable Cambridge City Council homes ‘set a standard’ at Colville Road in Cherry Hinton

A development of 67 sustainable apartments and homes have “set a standard” for new council homes in the city, according to Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP).

It has completed phase two of its Colville Road masterplan in Cherry Hinton, after converting two housing blocks that contained 24 post-war ageing council homes.

CIP is a partnership between Hill, the developer, and Cambridge City Council.

Tom Hill, managing director for The Hill Group, said: “Throughout our work at Colville Road phase two, we have been challenging the way we deliver council homes that are sustainable and align with Passivhaus standards. Initially, the aim was to provide heating through a gas-fired combined heat and power system, but we raised concerns that reliance on a non-renewable energy source could result in fuel poverty for residents.

“This led us to revise our energy strategy and introduce a communal air source heat pump system along with PV panels, increased insulation, and triple-glazed windows. What we have created at Colville Road Phase Two is something we are really proud of and has set a standard for the council homes we are delivering across all our future developments.”

CIP said the Colville Road team worked with the local community, particularly Colville Primary School, which has taken part in health and safety presentations, tree planting, time capsule projects and the creation of buddy shelters and mud kitchens.

Cllr Gerri Bird (Lab, East Chesterton), executive councillor for housing at Cambridge City Council and a CIP board member, said: “Colville Road phase two marks the completion of the ninth development for the partnership and the opportunity for local residents on our housing waiting list to move into high-quality energy efficient council homes.

“With the cost of living crisis and the ever rising energy costs, we are doing everything we can to provide homes that are looking to minimise residents’ overheads as much as possible.”

CIP said it introduced green sedum roofs and soft landscaping, while aiding biodiversity by planting new trees. Bird and bat boxes are also being put in around the building and public art by artist Janetka Platun, in collaboration with residents, is to be installed.

There are 10 electrical vehicle charging points and bicycle storage on site.

Work is now under way at Colville Road phase three, which will create 48 new council-rented homes and provide four new commercial units.

Designed by BPTW Architects, it will feature one and two-bedroom council rent apartments and three-bedroom council-rented homes.