Housebuilder of the Year launches hundreds more new homes in Cambridge

WhatHouse? Housebuilder of the Year Hill has announced plans for over 300 new homes in Cambridge at two new projects for the East Anglian property hotspot.

In the south of the city, in Great Kneighton, the company is launching Virido, a collection of 208 eco homes in a ‘quad’ design inspired by the University of Cambridge’s historic colleges. There will be a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments together with three- and four-bedroom townhouses, with 50% of the homes available for private sale.                            

These new homes will utilise sustainable technologies which have been “test driven” by a local family for a year at the housebuilder’s Be Zero Concept House. High levels of insulation, triple-glazed windows, photovoltaic (solar) panels, ‘green roof’, rainwater harvesting and a heat recovery ventilation system make the most of renewable energy sources and minimise unnecessary use of new enrgy.

The project was just one of those rewarded by multiple wins for Hill at the WhatHouse? Awards 2015, the most prestigious such event in the UK housebuilding industry.

The properties are designed for modular construction, from factory-fabricated pieces, and will form eight unique ‘quads’ in all, linked by tree-lined streets. The new Great Kneighton neighbourhood of which this development is a part will feature over 2,000 new homes in all, set within a new range of amenities including a new community and health centre, two new schools, shops, cafés and restaurants, and a 120-acre country park.

Prices at Virido start at £350,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Rob Hall, deputy managing director at Hill, comments: “We are pushing the boundaries of sustainability in Cambridge to ensure that our homes are both environmentally friendly and easy to maintain for busy and active families.”

Hill is also contributing to the North West Cambridge Development by the University of Cambridge that will in total create 3,000 new homes. The company’s initial contribution is 107 new homes, though it has permission for 240 across the development at this stage.

Hill’s latest plans, with homes designed by Pollard Thomas Edwards Architects, occupy a landmark position within the development, located on the site’s main thoroughfare, Eddington Avenue. Again, residents of this new community will benefit from numerous brand new amenities, from shops and eateries to a doctor’s surgery and new primary school. There are also existing parkland and a cricket pitch, with a new hotel and university research buildings providing job opportunities.

Andy Hill, chief executive of Hill, says: “This is a very exciting time for Cambridge, which is a growth city with a strong economic base and great prospects. Demand for high-quality new homes is high but the city is taking control of its future, making every effort to create the new homes and infrastructure that local people need.

“This is our second phase at the North West Cambridge Development, which will be a dynamic and vibrant new community. We are looking forward to working with the University to help shape its future, where our plans for Eddington Avenue will create a real landmark for the site.”

Construction of the first new homes at North West Cambridge will start in spring 2016, with properties available for private sale from early 2017.

Find out more at www.nwcambridge.co.uk