A public consultation has launched to gather feedback on plans to regenerate Hanover and Princess Courts in Cambridge.

The consultation, which is running from Monday 21 October until midnight on 11 November, invites views on the proposals that aim to enhance housing and community facilities in the area.

Since November 2021, Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP), the equal partnership between Cambridge City Council and award-winning housebuilder, The Hill Group, has engaged with residents to understand their needs regarding the existing estate, a large U-shaped block comprising 127 homes, with 82 council homes, 45 private sale homes and 126 garages. The current buildings have now reached the end of their design life, face high maintenance costs and there is now room for improvements in thermal or sound insulations.

In addition, detailed surveys have uncovered structural issues and fire risks, along with the presence of asbestos. In response, CIP has initiated a voluntary decanting process, relocating residents as part of the estate renewal. The decanting is now 84% complete, signalling significant progress in addressing these concerns.

Key features of the proposed plans for Hanover and Princess Courts include:

An increase in the number of homes available compared to the current estate.

-- Advertisement --

Various affordable housing options tailored to meet community needs.

The introduction of some wheelchair-accessible homes for the first time on the estate.

New open spaces and a multi-use community room designed for residents and local people to enjoy.

Cllr Gerri Bird, Executive Councillor for Housing at Cambridge City Council and CIP board member, commented: "The regeneration of Hanover and Princess Courts is part of our ambitious house-building programme aimed at replacing existing housing stock that is in poor condition with energy efficient homes. These improvements will not only reduce costs for residents but also enhance sustainability. I am particularly pleased to see the inclusion of purpose-built homes for those in the community with accessibility needs as part of the proposals."

In addition to the online consultation platform for residents to review the proposals and provide feedback, an in-person consultation event will be held on Thursday 7 November from 3pm to 7pm at St Pauls Church, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 1JP.

Tom Hill, Managing Director at The Hill Group, added: "This consultation is an important step towards regenerating the estate, which is no longer fit for purpose. It’s our aim to provide a larger number of high quality, sustainable homes for the area and we encourage residents to participate in the process to ensure their voices are heard; their feedback will play a key role in shaping proposals for the future of Hanover and Princess Courts."

The plans also include a new community room for various social activities to help support the thriving local community. There will also be a fully usable courtyard space which can be used all year round with lighting and covers. New enhanced open spaces will also feature designs influenced by a Youth Engagement Workshop which was held in the summer in partnership with Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service Youth Engagement Service.

CIP held two workshops with 30 Year 6 students from St Paul’s C of E Primary School in Cambridge to engage with them and use their local knowledge to develop ideas for the outdoor spaces as part of the proposals.

The students had the opportunity to visit the site around Princess and Hanover Courts to understand the site context and how best to improve the walking and cycling experience to school.

They also attended various workshops to learn more about the basics of placemaking before designing the proposed play area, street furniture, and bird boxes for the landscaped areas, ensuring the public realm design would meet the specific needs of the local children.