The Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP) has allowed more than 300 families to move into some of the 1,000 new council homes built since 2017.

CIP was formed in 2017 as an equal partnership between The Hill Group and Cambridge City Council. The partnership was set up to tackle the city’s housing affordability crisis and benefitted from a £70 million Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) Devolution Grant.

Tom Hill, managing director at The Hill Group, said: “Through CIP, our focus has always been on people, not just buildings. The success of the rehoming process reflects the importance of early and ongoing engagement, building trust, and working closely with residents to understand and meet their individual needs.”

All new homes constructed by CIP either meet or exceed the national space standards. Many of the new homes are built to Passivhaus standard or the Council’s CamStandard equivalent.

Michael Fieldhouse, a tenant who moved into one of the new CIP homes, said: “Leaving my old home after so many years was a big step, but the support I received made the move smooth and reassuring.

“My new home is brighter, warmer, and more energy efficient to run; it’s transformed my quality of life. I feel part of a community again, and I’m proud to call it home.”

The council’s rehoming programme provided tenants with support such as financial compensation, personalised relocation advice and the right to return to a new home in the redeveloped estate.

Councillor Gerri Bird, cabinet member for housing at Cambridge City Council and board member at CIP, said: “Our estate regeneration programme is vital to ensure families move from outdated and sometimes unfit homes to modern, warm and healthy homes that provide the quality of life they deserve.

“I am really proud that, through CIP, we have been able to help over 300 families do just that, and we’re continuing to work with many more as we shape a better future for housing in Cambridge.”

To date, CIP projects have led to £12.2 million worth of Section 106 money being committed to local schools, the NHS, sports centres, parks, and The Chrisholm Trail.

CIP has a pipeline of more than 2,000 homes including a minimum of 1,000 new council homes. The partnership also creates social value via jobs, apprenticeships and community investment.

Images: Cambridge Investment Partnership

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