The latest modular homes were recently unveiled in King’s Hedges, providing move-on accommodation for six of Cambridge’s homeless residents. Located just off Northfield Avenue, the units have been built on a new road named after long term county councillor for the area, Janet Jones. The new units are part of the Labour run city council’s scheme to build a minimum of 540 new council homes across Cambridge by 2022, and are fully adapted for any residents with a disability.

Cllr Alex Collis, who represents King’s Hedges and lives locally, went down to take a look;

It’s fantastic to see the latest modular homes ready for the new tenants to move in. As a city council we’ve been working hard since the start of the pandemic to support those people who find themselves living on the streets, and have made over 300 offers of temporary accommodation.

 

But for many people, they want their own, longer-term accommodation – and that’s what the new modular homes can give them.

 

As well as a roof over their heads, the new tenants will receive support from local homelessness organisation, Jimmy’s. I’m looking forward to them joining our community here in King’s Hedges – and would also like to thank our existing residents for welcoming the new development and for their patience during the build.

 

This new development follows the unveiling in 2019 and 2020 of new council homes in Nuns Way and Markham Close. These new properties have photovoltaic solar panels, reduced water consumption and reduced carbon emissions.

Plans were also agreed late last summer to replace the last outdated block of flats on Campkin Road, opposite Tesco, providing 75 new council rented homes and a brand new community facility on site. Work began in late 2020 and is now well underway, as local councillor Martin Smart found when he visited the site recently to check on progress;

The plans for Campkin Road are really exciting, and will be a great addition to King’s Hedges – especially the new, purpose built community space.

 

It’s a really busy area, right at the heart of the ward – so I’m sure the new facility will be very popular, and is exactly what local organisations such as the North Cambridge Community Partnership need. I can’t wait to see local residents making full use of the space – once it’s safe to do so, of course.

 

We made sure all residents in the pre-existing flats were offered the option to return once the new flats are completed, and we’ll look forward to welcoming them back once the work is finished later this year.

 

It’s also really positive to see all our new council homes being built to high environmental standards, with sustainability at the forefront. Levels of housing need have been consistently high in Cambridge, and it’s great to be part of a council actually doing something about it – but considering sustainability at the same time.

 

Preparatory work is also due to begin on the redevelopment of Buchan Street later this year. This scheme will see the existing neighbourhood centre replaced by 28 new one and two bedroom flats. The existing shop and cafe will return, with the addition of a new outside seating area and additional green space.