Council and developer The Hill Group propose to build 165 new homes at Hanover and Princess Courts in Cambridge

The overall number of homes would increase from 127 to 165 and, while the overall number of council homes will be slightly lower after redevelopment, 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 and be far higher quality than the homes being demolished. Between these proposals and the council’s plans to redevelop Stanton House, the overall number of council homes in the city centre will increase. 

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. 

Rather than invest heavily in outdated infrastructure, redeveloping the site offers a far better long-term solution. Redevelopment would deliver brand new, high-quality homes that are comfortable, energy-efficient, and affordable to live in, while meeting modern space standards.

In light of this, Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP) has been working closely with residents and key stakeholders to shape the future of Hanover and Princess Courts. Extensive design reviews have helped ensure the proposals brought forward reflect the best possible outcomes for the community and the estate’s future. 

Cllr 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. 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.” 

The development  has been designed to replicate some elements of the existing architecture in the New Town Conservation Area while maintaining a contemporary identity. There will be more green space, with better access routes and open spaces between the buildings to offer a more open and welcoming communal space. 

Tom Hill, Managing Director of The Hill Group, comments, “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.” 

The homes are designed to meet the council’s CamStandard to improve health and reduce energy use. All homes will meet or exceed National Space Standards, with the majority of living rooms being dual aspect, offering generous natural light, ventilation, and views over landscaped gardens and mature trees. 

The wider development prioritises sustainability, biodiversity, and inclusive community living. Building layouts have been angled to avoid root protection areas to preserve as many existing trees as possible. While some established trees have to be removed for safety reasons, the design approach ensures that others, which might otherwise have been lost, are being protected and the overall number of trees on site will increase. New climate-resilient species will be introduced to improve shading, air quality and urban greening. The project integrates sustainable water management through water-responsive planting that also supports pollinator habitats. 

Green infrastructure is a key feature, with a variety of landscaped zones offering multiple benefits. These include a sensory garden designed for quiet reflection; a central communal garden built around a mature tree forming the social heart of the development; and a flexible, semi-public terrace adjoining the community room, with sensory planting and integrated seating. A dedicated play area with natural features sits near the centre of the site, alongside informal ‘play on the way’ elements like stepping stones and interactive planting trails to encourage engagement with nature. Ground-floor homes will benefit from private gardens, while pocket parks and benches are introduced along key routes to provide opportunities for rest and connection. 

For further information about Cambridge Investment Partnership please visit www.ip-cambridge.co.uk