EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network

Accordia

Introduction

The case study details the re-development of a 30 acre site just south of Cambridge city centre.

Problem

The re-development of a listed site for mixed use – accommodation and office space – being as environmentally friendly as possible.

Description

The site is being sensitively re-developed by Countryside Properties and its partners, creating homes for sale, rent and shared ownership, with a strong focus on the environment.

The case study details the objectives of the scheme, what was achieved, learning points and evaluation.

Approach

In the late 1990s, the government started work to redevelop its site at Brooklands Avenue in Cambridge. It invited bids from interested companies. Housing developer Countryside joined forces with Kajima Cambridge Ltd. to buy and clear old buildings from the site - creating new offices and houses in their place. Outline planning permission for 16,500m2 of offices and around 380 homes was granted in 2001. Work started on site in 2002.

Results

The learning points from the project include:

'Look to the sun and save energy'. Where possible the Accordia homes have been orientated with a southerly aspect. This makes the best use of natural light, and also reduces heating bills.
Try something new. Countryside Properties continually evaluates and tries new building techniques to benefit customers – and the environment. The aim is to minimise energy and water usage, reduce waste and maximise efficiency .
Get talking. The developers realised that wide-ranging consultation sessions were important to bring local people on board.

Contact info

Countryside Properties PLC
enquiries@inspire-east.org.uk

Project start date

//2002

Links

Visit the Inspire East website

Download the 'Accordia' Report (PDF, Eng, 893 KB)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy

Keywords

Housing, Urban environment