New council homes completed at Buchan Street, Cambridge
The final phase of the Buchan Street development in Cambridge has been completed, with tenants set to move into their new council homes. This milestone was celebrated by local councillors and the Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP) team, marking the successful completion of a project that will significantly contribute to the local community in the King’s Hedges ward of the city.
The Buchan Street and nearby Meadows development, located in the Arbury Ward, have transformed the area by replacing two former community facilities with a new, highly sustainable community centre at The Meadows, which opened in 2023, and 106 new council homes across both sites. The Meadows development also includes public open spaces such as a Sports England-approved football pitch, a public plaza and the retention of a café and shop space, ensuring the area remains a focal point for social and recreational activities.
The Buchan Street development features 28 one and two-bedroom council apartments at Buchan Street, all wheelchair accessible and adaptable, meaning the homes can be adapted for people with reduced mobility or chronic health conditions, with one specifically designed to accommodate wheelchair users.
Cllr Gerri Bird, Executive Councillor for Housing at Cambridge City Council and CIP board member, said, “We are thrilled to see the completion of these new council homes at Buchan Street and tenants moving into their sustainable energy efficient homes. “The council’s vision for Cambridge is a place where everyone has a warm, safe and affordable home, and through our partnership with The Hill Group, these 28 new council homes are helping make this vision a reality. The development demonstrates our ongoing commitment to creating sustainable and inclusive communities.”
The new homes are built with the future in mind, showcasing the partnership’s and city council’s commitment to sustainable, low-carbon living. All the homes are gas-free and feature advanced insulation to minimise heat loss, while Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems ensure optimal air quality for residents. The communal air-source heat pumps, solar photovoltaic panels and biodiverse green roofs enhance the overall sustainability of the development.
Electric vehicle charging points have also been installed, along with the infrastructure for further charging points. Additionally, ample cycle storage facilities are provided to encourage sustainable travel.
Tom Hill, Managing Director of The Hill Group comments, “This completion of Buchan Street and our forthcoming Meadows development highlights our ongoing commitment as a partnership to delivering affordable, sustainable housing while fostering community cohesion and enhancing the local environment. Together we are creating a more inclusive and vibrant Cambridge.”
The new council homes at Buchan Street are part of Cambridge City Council’s wider programme to improve accommodation standards for people living in existing council homes, to build additional council homes to meet local needs, and to address wider housing supply issues across Cambridge.
