Construction of a major new housing development on Fanshawe Road, near Coleridge Recreation Ground in Cambridge, has reached a key milestone with a topping-out ceremony marking the highest point of construction.

The scheme is being delivered by the Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP), a joint venture between Cambridge City Council and housebuilder The Hill Group. Councillors, CIP board members and members of the project team attended the event. When completed, the development will provide 84 new homes, made up of 45 council homes and 39 homes for market sale.

All of the new homes are being built to meet or exceed the council’s ‘Cam Standard’, which focuses on low operational energy use, high thermal comfort and resilience to future climate impacts.

The development replaces 30 ageing homes built in the 1950s, comprising 20 council apartments and 10 leasehold apartments, which were no longer considered cost-effective to maintain or refurbish. Existing residents were consulted extensively during the planning process and were supported through rehoming with advice, moving assistance and financial support, in addition to statutory compensation.

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Of the 45 new council homes, 34 will be let at 60% of market rent, aimed at households with a high priority for council housing, including those likely to rely on Universal Credit. The remaining 11 homes will be available at 80% of market rent under a newer council tenure designed for people who may not qualify for high-priority housing but struggle with private rents, such as key workers. Four homes have been designed to be fully accessible for people with disabilities.

The 39 market sale homes form an important part of the scheme’s funding model, with profits reinvested by the council into future CIP developments, including new council housing and community facilities across the city.

The Fanshawe Road scheme will include 76 apartments across four buildings, alongside eight houses positioned on the eastern and western edges of the site. As part of the project, the protected open space will be reconfigured, enhanced and slightly increased. Plans include a new play area, family-friendly amenities and a green corridor linking Fanshawe Road with Coleridge Recreation Ground. Existing mature trees are being retained, with 27 new trees to be planted alongside wildflowers, bat boxes and bird boxes, delivering a projected 35% net gain in biodiversity.

All homes will be gas-free and built with high levels of insulation to reduce heat loss. Sustainability features include mechanical ventilation with heat recovery systems, communal air-source heat pumps and solar photovoltaic panels. Water-saving measures will reduce demand on local resources, while underground waste bins will help cut collection frequency and energy use.

The development has been designed to promote sustainable living, with all homes overlooking green open space and the majority offering dual aspects. Green roofs will support rainwater management and biodiversity, while improved pedestrian and cycle routes, secure cycle parking and electric vehicle charging points aim to encourage low-carbon travel.