The final pieces of roof felt have been added to a new housing development in Cambridge.

When complete, the L2 Orchard Park development will bring 75 new homes to the area, consisting of a mix of social rent and affordable rent.

30 of the homes will be social rent homes while a further 45 available at 80% of the average private rental rate in Cambridge, with the City Council acting as landlord for all the properties.

The development was designed by Mole with construction being led by The Hill Group. The project features two apartment blocks and a row of coach houses. The designs have prioritised sustainability with all homes being gas-free and heating being provided by air-source heat pumps. The structures will also feature, biodiverse green roofs and high levels of insulation.


The Orchard Park development includes improvements to nearby spaces with the installation of a growing garden, pergola and seating area, trim trail, running track and a table tennis facility. There will also be provision for six electric vehicle charging spaces, one hybrid/electric car club vehicle and above policy cycle parking for 124 bike spaces.

Commenting on the project, Gerri Bird, Executive Councillor for Housing and Homelessness at Cambridge City Council and CIP board member, said: "Our new development at Orchard Park has allowed us to provide a mix of council homes and also affordable rent homes which will be made available to local residents who have traditionally found it difficult to secure, long term homes in the area."

Reflecting on their involvement, Tom Hill, Managing Director at The Hill Group, said: "Through the partnership we have worked closely with local residents to ensure this new development has a positive impact on the wider community which includes improvements to the adjacent public open space to provide a community growing garden and areas to come together and enjoy. We are extremely proud of what we continue to deliver through CIP, with over 1000 new homes completed or currently in build, including more than 700 council homes. We are committed to reinvesting in the city by creating new sustainable developments that provide homes and community facilities that are vitally needed."