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Plans have been submitted to demolish two 'unsafe' blocks of flats in Cambridge and replace them with 165 new homes. Hanover and Princess Courts are just off Hills Road in Cambridge and currently contain 127 flats, including 82 council homes. Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP) - a collaboration between Cambridge City Council and The Hill Group - has submitted plans for existing buildings to be demolished. Its plans for 165 new homes include 72 council homes and 93 market homes. A spokesperson for CIP said that the overall number of council homes will decrease after the planned redevelopment. However, the amount of space provided for the 72 new council homes will be bigger than the current 82, as the homes will meet modern space standards. The CIP spokesperson added: "Doing nothing at Hanover and Princess Courts is not an option. The existing buildings have been deemed unsafe due to structural issues and fire risks, meaning the council must continue spending money on temporary measures to keep residents safe. "Refurbishing the current buildings to meet today’s standards would be incredibly costly, and even then, the homes would still fall short of modern space and energy efficiency requirements." They said redeveloping the site is a better long-term solution. The homes have been designed to reduce energy use, while the design "prioritises sustainability, biodiversity, and inclusive community living". The redevelopment will include more green space with better access routes between the buildings. Councillor Gerri Bird, Cabinet Member for Housing at Cambridge City Council and CIP board member, said: "These homes need to be demolished as they are not fit for purpose for current residents, so we’ve been looking at the most cost-effective way to redevelop the site to provide new, high-quality council homes for current and future council tenants. "We are committed to improving the quality of housing for tenants living in ageing council properties like these, and building new high-quality council and market homes to meet growing demand – including more accessible homes for disabled residents." Cllr Bird continued: "The reality is that to cover the costs of redevelopment projects like this, we need to build some private homes too, to reinvest the profit from selling those homes into building the new council homes. "Throughout the process, we’ve worked with existing residents, offering them advice, financial help with moving, logistical support, and ensuring they receive the compensation they’re entitled to. Many tenants have already been able to move into other new, high-quality homes built by CIP, giving them a fresh start in healthier and more comfortable homes." Tom Hill, Managing Director of The Hill Group, said: "As a partnership, we pride ourselves on creating inclusive, high-quality developments where all homes, regardless of tenure, are built to the same high architectural and material standards. Our proposals reflect this commitment, with homes designed to foster comfort, accessibility and a strong connection to nature. "Our team and consultants have worked tirelessly to ensure the designs respond sensitively to the heritage of the area while delivering green spaces that enhance wellbeing, biodiversity, climate resilience and placemaking."
