Since its establishment in 2017, Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP), the equal partnership between Cambridge City Council and The Hill Group, has built more than 1,150 new homes, including 700+ net new council homes – meaning the council is one of the few councils to not only keep, but increase, the number of council homes it can offer those in need.
But CIP’s ambition goes far beyond building these high-quality, sustainable, council and private homes.
CIP is also investing in community facilities, green infrastructure, and biodiversity-led landscapes – with each new CIP development designed to strengthen neighbourhoods and support wellbeing for current and future generations.
From community hubs and play areas to landscaped gardens and green corridors, the partnership is helping to shape places where communities can connect and thrive.
Cllr Gerri Bird, Cabinet Member for Housing at Cambridge City Council and CIP Board Member, said: “Cambridge desperately needs new homes and we are doing everything we can to play our part in building more great-quality council homes for those who need them. But people need more than just a new home to have a high quality of life. It’s really important to us that the people living in our new homes and existing community members alike can benefit from new community facilities and green spaces, where people can get together and spend time in nature. This is about building places that people can live happily in and will be fit for Cambridge residents for generations to come.”
Tom Hill, Managing Director at The Hill Group, added: “Our partnership is about creating balanced, sustainable neighbourhoods that people are proud to call home. By investing in schools, nurseries, community centres, and green infrastructure, we are leaving a legacy of resilience, wellbeing, and inclusivity for the whole city.”
Across the city, CIP has delivered a range of developments that combine new homes with community and environmental improvements.
Akeman Street
Located in Arbury, this development replaced an outdated building featuring four council homes, a community centre and shops with 14 new council homes, three shops and a community centre with an outdoor garden for local residents.
Campkin Road
In King’s Hedges, this redevelopment delivered 75 new council homes, replacing 35 ageing post war flats. It also includes a new community centre, landscaped communal gardens and play equipment. A £50,000 contribution was also made towards local play areas, parks and sports facilities.
Colville Road Phases two and three
Across two neighbouring sites previously containing 36 ageing council homes in Cherry Hinton, CIP has delivered 115 brand new council homes, along with an early years nursery and community room, communal gardens and landscaping and planting, and four commercial units for local businesses that previously operated on the site.
Ironworks, Mill Road
In Romsey, this landmark mixed-tenure development, on the former council depot, delivered 118 new council and 118 market sale homes. Nearly 30% of the development is green open spaces, including landscaped areas, a neighbourhood park and play area. The scheme also includes a new community centre, commercial or café spaces, and contributed £3.5 million to school, park and sport facilities, The Chisholm Trail, the NHS, and open spaces.
Buchan Street
In Arbury, the Buchan Street community centre has been replaced with 28 new council homes together with a new local shop and community café.
L2 Orchard Park
Built on one of the last parcels of land allocated for new housing, this highly sustainable development delivers 75 new council homes together with improvements to nearby public open space, shaped by community input. Enhancements include a community growing garden, pergola and seating area, trim trail play items, running track, table tennis, play area and generous planting.
Timber Works, Cromwell Road
Built on the former Ridgeons Timber Yard in Romsey, this is CIP’s largest development to date, delivering 118 council homes and 177 private sale homes. Many homes overlook the landscaped central park that runs through the development. The scheme also includes an early years nursery, community meeting space, a playground, and a public art programme.
East Barnwell
Looking ahead, CIP is progressing major new developments, including the transformation of East Barnwell. This project will deliver 120 new council homes along with a community centre, nursery, library, shops, and extensive landscaped public spaces. Designed around people and nature, the development will include safe walking and cycling routes, play facilities, and green areas that encourage active lifestyles and social interaction.
As CIP continues its programme to deliver 1,000 additional council homes and 1,000 market sale homes by 2030, the partnership remains focused on creating vibrant, connected communities across Cambridge, delivering not just homes, but places where people and nature can flourish together.
Find out more about Cambridge Investment Partnership.
