67 new sustainable council homes handed over at Colville Road Phase 2
Completion of Colville Road Phase 2
67 brand new sustainable council apartments and homes have been handed over to local residents at Cambridge Investment Partnerships’ latest development, Colville Road Phase 2, in Cherry Hinton, Cambridge.
The development forms part of a two-phase masterplan to bring much-needed council homes to the area and help tackle the acute housing crisis in the city. Originally two housing blocks containing 24 post-war aging council homes, the development has been designed to revitalise and integrate with the community and improve on existing local connections.
Throughout our work at Colville Road Phase 2 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 2 is something we are really proud of and has set a standard for the council homes we are delivering across all our future developments.Tom Hill, Managing Director for The Hill Group
The Colville Road team has also worked closely with the local community, in particular the local school which has taken part in health and safety presentations, tree planting, time capsule projects, and the creation of buddy shelters and mud kitchens.
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.Cllr Gerri Bird, Executive Councillor for Housing at Cambridge City Council and CIP board member
As part of the development, green sedum roofs and extensive soft landscaping has been included as well as enhanced biodiversity with new trees being planted to encourage insects and other wildlife, and many existing trees retained. Bird and bat boxes are also being introduced along the perimeter of the building. Public art by artist Janetka Platun, in collaboration with residents, will also be installed.
To promote clean travel and reduce air pollution, electrical vehicle charging points have been installed, with a total of 10 connections available. Ample bicycle storage is also provided to encourage residents to use sustainable modes of transport.
Work is now underway at Colville Road Phase 3 which will create 48 new council rented homes and provide four new commercial units. Designed by BPTW Architects following consultation with the local community, it will feature a variety of one and two bedroom council rent apartments and three bedroom council rented homes.
For further information about Cambridge Investment Partnership please visit www.ip-cambridge.co.uk
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Colville Road Phase 2