Council homes named after ex-mayor Nigel Gawthrope as a ‘lasting memory to his love of Cambridge’

The family of Cambridge’s former mayor Nigel Gawthrope were joined by councillors to officially mark the naming of 14 new council homes in his honour.

Mr Gawthrope died suddenly on holiday in 2019 and Cambridge Investment Partnership held a ribbon-cutting event at Nigel Gawthrope Court, Akeman Street, attended by his wife Cllr Jenny Gawthrope Wood, mother Shirley, sister Amanda and brother Nick, along with councillors and members of the CIP team.

Cllr 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.”

Cllr Gerri Bird, executive councillor for housing and CIP board member, said: “We are really honoured to be able to be here 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.”

An older building was replaced by the 14 new 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 maisonettes are above the community centre and retail space. A communal courtyard garden to the rear separates the two buildings with a further eight flats to the rear of the site. A new café will also be opening shortly.

Tom Hill, managing director of The Hill Group, said: “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 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.”