Housing minister Matthew Pennycook visited Marleigh Park in Cambridge to see progress on the 1,391-home Hill Group development.
The October 23 visit was part of the Secretary of State for Housing and Planning’s trip to the city, timed to coincide with the announcement of a £500 million investment in the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor.
The Marleigh Park development, which started in 2018, is one of the city’s most celebrated. Centred around Jubilee Square, the scheme includes a primary school and nursery, a Co-op supermarket, a community centre, a R3FORM fitness studio and a café and deli.
There are also play areas, allotments, sports pitches and extensive pedestrian and cycle routes.
The third and final phase of 423 new homes was approved in late 2024 and is set for completion in 2031.
Andy Hill, founder and group chief executive of The Hill Group, said: “The investment in Cambridge as the centre of excellence for science and innovation is great news, but it also requires significant investment in housing and infrastructure to support the people who make that innovation possible.
“We’re proud that Marleigh Park has set a high standard for sustainable neighbourhood design in Cambridge and has created a thriving, connected community where people love to live. We have successfully delivered a wide range of large-scale residential-led developments across both Cambridge and Oxford, so we are closely aligned with the ambitions for the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor.
“The Hill Group remains committed to working with local and national partners to help meet the country’s housing needs while supporting economic growth across this key region.”
Cllr Bridget Smith, leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “The minister’s visit to Marleigh Park offered a valuable opportunity to see firsthand how sustainable urban development can successfully deliver high-quality facilities in our area to create vibrant and resilient communities for generations to come.
“The visit was timely, coming shortly after the Government’s announcement for major investment and hopes for a centrally led Development Corporation for Greater Cambridge.
“We have lobbied successive governments for national support on the infrastructure we need, including on wastewater and water supply. We’ve also made clear time and time again the challenges our local area faces when it comes to traffic and public transport. Getting this right is a top priority if we are to continue to ensure Greater Cambridge is a great place to live, grow-up, work and learn.
“We hope that a development corporation’s capabilities, including the ability to call upon the resources of the Government, potentially provide a means to address some of these challenges – but it’s key that local voices shape any decisions about our area. We will be working with Government to ensure the priorities of local people are fully considered.”
Image (l-r): Matthew Pennycook and Adam Raker, head of sales (Eastern region), The Hill Group.
© Eastern Echo (powered by ukpropertyforums.com).
Sign up to receive our weekly free journal, The Forum here.
