Completion of CIP’s flagship Ironworks development marked by plaque and cakes

Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP) has marked the completion of its flagship Ironworks development - 236 homes and apartments, including 118 new council homes - by unveiling a plaque.

Guests gathered to mark the event which has seen CIP, an equal partnership between Cambridge City Council and The Hill Group, transform the former Eagle Foundry and more recently a council depot site into a sustainable neighbourhood.

Ironworks aims to address the city’s acute need for housing and it also features a community centre and commercial spaces. Almost 30 per cent is public open space including new parks.

Cllr Gerri Bird, executive councillor for housing at the city council and CIP board member, said: “It is an honour to mark the completion of our flagship development which we are all extremely proud of. From the outset we were committed to providing at least 40 per cent council rent properties on the site, but through excellent design, placemaking, and consultation with the community and councillors, the partnership achieved 50 per cent council and 50 per cent private sale.

“The development is an excellent example of a tenure-blind scheme which is providing much needed new homes in the city, whilst ensuring there is a focus on the quality of living and ample public and private outdoor amenity space.”

Sustainability and energy reduction measures included increased cavity wall insulation thickness, mechanical heat recovery, photovoltaics and green roofs. Eagle Park, which features a large play area, has rainwater gardens, there are several electric vehicle charging points and ample cycle parking.

Tom Hill, MD of The Hill Group, said: “Ironworks showcases how successful our partnership with Cambridge City Council has been over the past six years, working collaboratively and committed to driving forward new, socially cohesive, and highly sustainable homes to build lasting communities.

“We also ensured that green open space formed an integral part of the design of the development and worked closely with partners to create parks, playground, and tranquil areas where wildlife and plants can flourish whilst creating space for the whole community to enjoy.”

Phil, a private owner at Ironworks, said: “Our three-bedroom house ticks every box. It offers more space, the all-important location, and energy-efficient features – certainly quite the upgrade from our 150-year-old Victorian home.”

And council tenants, Callum and Kai, who moved into their apartment last year, said: “There is a really nice community forming. We can already tell it’s going to be a great place to live.”

A programme with local artists and the community has been established to enrich the development, with a seven-metre cast bronze sculpture, Timekeeper by Jo Chapman, celebrating the former foundry.