Housing Corporation News Release

Partner selected to deliver affordable housing in three key strategic sites in Cambridge

7 August 2007                 ref: 75/07

The Housing Corporation announced today (Tuesday 7 August 2007), that Cambridgeshire Partnerships Ltd (CPL) have been named as the strategic development partner for  the  delivery of  affordable housing on three strategic sites in Cambridge - Northstowe, Southern Fringe and North West Cambridge.

CPL comprises of Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association Limited, Aldwyck Housing Association  Limited, King Street Housing Society Limited, The Papworth Trust and Hundred Houses Society Limited.

The selection forms part of the 'Cambridge Challenge' a pilot investment process to test the benefits of identifying a strategic partner for affordable housing provision at the earliest stage in the design and development of new communities.  The selection involved a partnership approach from the Corporation which included a panel of key local stakeholders including local councils, land owners, English Partnerships and Cambridgeshire Horizons.

CPL were selected from a shortlist of bidders for being best able to contribute to  well designed communities with high-quality homes.  The proposal  includes establishment of a separate legal entity and provides efficiencies and broader benefits to deliver affordable homes in the three designated sites.

Margaret Allen, Housing Corporation Field Director (Central) said, "This announcement marks the start of an exciting time for affordable housing in Cambridge.  Through partnership we feel confident that this approach offers all involved bodies the opportunity for sharing skills and expertise.

"The selection of CPL is  the start of a process,  which will see key  stakeholders working  together towards the successful delivery of homes and sustainable new communities. CPL have put forward a package that places great store on community development and the quality of social infrastructure, but is also financially competitive.  It is now for them to take forward discussions with stakeholders and the next part of the challenge."

John Lewis, regional director for English Partnerships said, "We are confidant that CPL will deliver high quality homes which will form a key part of these three new communities. By working together we will ensure that the homes created will not only be where people can afford to live but want to live."

In January 2007,  the Housing Corporation  invited submissions from organisations interested in becoming a strategic development partner to deliver affordable housing in Cambridge as part of its Cambridge Challenge programme.  The three sites identified are in areas where there is significant growth and an acute shortage of affordable homes. 

Ends.
 
Press enquiries to Sandra White on 0207 393 2094.
 
Note to editors:
 

• Two shortlisted bidders for the Cambridge Challenge were  Cambridgeshire Partnerships Limited (BPHA, Aldwyck HA, Kings Street, Hundred Houses, Papworth)  and The CAMS Local Partnership (Accent Group, Metropolitan Housing Partnership, Sanctuary Housing Group).

• The Housing Corporation is the Government agency responsible for investing in new affordable homes and regulating over 1,500 housing associations across England.  Its biggest ever investment programme of £3.9 billion for 2006-08 will fund 84,000 homes;  49,000 of these will be for affordable rent, and 35,000 will be for affordable sale through the Government's new HomeBuy initiative, helping people to get a foot on the property ladder.

• The Housing Corporation will operate the Challenge on behalf of the East of England Housing Board; English Partnerships; Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District Councils and the land owners and house builders involved in the three sites.

• Some facts about Cambridge
 - Average house prices in Cambridge are now eight times average  incomes;
 - Around 9,500 to 11,000 new affordable homes are needed each year;
 - Homelessness is up 16% in five years.