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Published: 3 November 2022

CIP reaches over 700 new council homes on site as work starts at Colville Road Phase 3

The official ground-breaking event at our latest development Colville Road Phase 3 marks the start on site by the partnership of over 700 new council homes in the city

The official ground-breaking event at our latest development Colville Road Phase 3 marks the start on site by the partnership of over 700 new council homes in the city

The official ground-breaking event at our latest development Colville Road Phase 3 marks the start on site by the partnership of over 700 new council homes in the city.

Since our partnership was established in 2017, we have completed eight developments, with work underway on a further 11 sites. So far 694 council homes have either been completed or are underway with the start on site at Colville Road Phase 3 providing a further 48 affordable homes.

In addition, 295 private sale homes are being delivered at Ironworks, Mill Road and Timber Works, Cromwell Road.

The partnership is committed to providing high quality sustainable council homes for the community including replacing aging poor quality homes which are no longer fit for purpose. To date we have replaced 137 homes which includes 18 at this latest phase of Colville Road. I am delighted to see work underway to deliver further council homes, including two wheelchair accessible homes. Cllr Gerri Bird, Executive Councillor for Housing at Cambridge City Council and CIP board member

At Colville Road Phase 3 Cambridge Investment Partnership will be building 48 new council rented homes and providing four new commercial units. Designed by BPTW Architects following consultation with the local community it features a variety of one and two bedroom council rent apartments and three bedroom council rented homes.

We are pleased to have work underway to deliver these sustainable new council homes, which will be significantly more energy efficient, and help to reduce the impact of rising energy costs. The homes have been designed to a Fabric First approach with increased insulation and air tightness to keep them as warm as possible with heating provided through electrical Air Source Heat Pump instead of gas, providing low carbon heating. We are also installing mechanically ventilated heat recovery systems in each property which will ensure a healthy flow of air throughout the home and photovoltaic panels will generate further electricity for the development. Tom Hill, Regional Director of Hill

Further sustainable features include green roofs which will be installed on the flat roofs to increase thermal mass and aid ecology and enhanced biodiversity on the site alongside the landscaping. A sustainable drainage system will aid the existing surface sewer system and allow a more even distribution of drainage.

We are also pleased to be providing four brand new commercial units and have worked closely with the existing occupiers who have been offered temporary accommodation while construction of the new premises takes place. Tom Hill

The existing green space, which is crucial for the health and wellbeing of local residents and the character of the High Street, will be retained and improved as part of the development. Rain gardens will also be created along the High Street to reflect those already on the other side of the road and other features include grasses, perennials and shrubs which will be used at the frontage of the southern space to provide an attractive frontage and bio-diverse planting within the car parks to break up the hard standing and soften the space.

High levels of cycle storage will be included along with electrical vehicle charging points to encourage more sustainable modes of transport.