08 - 10 - 2026
BPTW, in partnership with Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP), Cambridge City Council and Hill have secured planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Ekin Road Council Estate in Abbey, Cambridge.
The scheme represents an opportunity to create a future-focused neighbourhood that responds to the Cambridges housing needs while significantly improving living standards for families.
The proposals seek to replace the existing estate’s 108 ageing post-war homes, many of which suffer from significant maintenance and performance issues. In response to this we have designed a new residential community comprising 134 high-quality homes that aim to create a more future-proofed and resilient neighbourhood.
A key priority of the redevelopment is to address the shortage of larger family homes within Cambridge’s council housing stock. The scheme includes several much-needed 3-5 bedroom council homes that will help to provide suitable accommodation for larger households and families who are experiencing overcrowding.
In addition to the new homes, four of these have been designed for wheelchair users, ensuring the development promotes accessibility for residents with a range of needs.
We aim to deliver 78 new council homes alongside 56 private to create a balanced and mixed community. Although the overall number of council homes will be lower than the existing provision, the larger homes being introduced mean the new development is expected to accommodate a similar number of residents.
Sustainability at the forefront
The development has been largely led with sustainability at the forefront with the new council homes being built to meet or exceed the Council’s Cam Standard. This will aim to deliver low operational energy use, improve thermal comfort and provide resilience to future climate conditions. Every home has been considered to maximise natural daylight and ventilation, helping to create healthier living environments while reducing energy consumption.
The development will also target a 20% biodiversity net gain, incorporating over 90 new trees, rain gardens, and habitats for wildlife through the installation of bird and bat boxes. The proposals include two main green links for pedestrians and cyclists that will run through the site and traffic calming measures that will support a safer neighbourhood for residents.
The redevelopment forms part of Cambridge Investment Partnership’s wider ambition to improve existing council housing that increase the delivery of affordable homes and respond to the changing needs of modern family homes. By providing larger, energy-efficient homes, Ekin Road will help create a community where residents have access to homes that are fit for the future.
Through our partnership with Cambridge Investment Partnership, BPTW is proud to be helping shape a carefully designed new neighbourhood that balances housing need, environmental responsibility and community wellbeing, ensuring Ekin Road continues to serve the people of Cambridge for generations to come.
