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UK: blocwork, a joint venture between Network Rail’s property development company Platform4 and partnership developer bloc, has submitted a planning application for 425 BTR homes in Cambridge.
Grainger will forward fund the 425-unit scheme which, will be built on a brownfield site at the Cambridge North Residential Quarter. It will also manage the development, which will include community spaces and resident amenities, on completion.
Cambridge North Residential Quarter will deliver a mix of residential, alongside linear parks, pocket gardens, and tree-lined streets. The design also prioritises pedestrian and cycle movement. With strong transport links, including direct rail connections to Cambridge, London and the surrounding region the new neighbourhood reduces car dependency for future residents.
In addition to its sustainable location, the new homes will feature zero carbon technology including fabric first design, hot water heat pumps, high efficiency photovoltaic panels and water saving fittings.
Cambridge North Residential Quarter is part of a wider government-backed drive to unlock publicly owned brownfield land for housing. The scheme was one of four developments highlighted as part of Platform4’s launch in November.
Andrew Ferguson, acting CEO of Platform4, said: “The proposed development will transform the area, bringing under-used railway land into active residential use and creating a new community in one of the country’s most dynamic cities. These proposals are the next step in bringing forward a new neighbourhood with seamless transport connections and proximity to the historic city.”
Richard Thomas, director for bloc and blocwork, added: “Cambridge North Residential Quarter represents exactly the kind of development that brownfield land should be used for. Our partnership with Grainger will ensure these homes are built to the highest standard and managed with residents’ long-term experience in mind.”
Helen Gordon, chief executive of Grainger, said: “We are pleased to be working with our partners at Platform4 and blocwork to bring forward plans for Cambridge North Residential Quarter, reflecting our continued focus on delivering high quality, purpose-built rental homes in well-connected locations with strong demand. This scheme builds on our established partnership with Network Rail and our shared ambition to unlock underused land to deliver much-needed new homes across the UK.”
Matthew Branton, managing director at Franklin Ellis Architects, which designed the scheme, said: “Working with blocwork, Platform4 and Grainger on Cambridge North has been a rare opportunity to design high quality, sustainable buildings around a unique landscaped courtyard. We look forward to realising this project with the design team and bringing forward essential new homes for Cambridge.”
Planning support was provided by Bidwells.
Highlights:
- blocwork, a joint venture between Network Rail’s property development company Platform4 and partnership developer bloc, has submitted a planning application for 425 BTR homes in Cambridge
- Grainger will forward fund and manage the 425-unit scheme, which will be built on a brownfield site at the Cambridge North Residential Quarter
- The new homes will feature zero carbon technology including fabric first design, hot water heat pumps, high efficiency photovoltaic panels and water saving fittings
