UK residential and commercial property developer – Godwin Developments – has submitted proposals for a new Build to Rent scheme and flexible commercial space in Ely, Cambridgeshire. The scheme – named Cathedral Green – will see 116 new Build to Rent homes built in Angel Drove, at the southern entry point into the city. The mix of homes include 57 two- and three-bedroom houses with private gardens and 59 one- and two-bedroom low-rise apartments with balconies. Cathedral Green will also include 122 resident and guest parking spaces, as well as a 1,457 sqm, three-storey commercial building which will provide additional flexible working space in the area.
“We are delighted to have submitted plans for our latest Build to Rent housing development in Ely, created specifically to cater to rising demand for single-family homes in regional towns and cities. Our proposals seek to deliver a scheme that will fit well into the local area and improve its appeal to a wide range of residents, while also bringing new homes and jobs to Ely.”
Gurdeep Gill, Associate Director, Godwin Developments
Cathedral Green has been designed to create an urban village style community for residents of various ages. The scheme has been designed to offer a modern interpretation of the local architectural character – and will feature extensively landscaped open spaces for neighbours to meet and socialise, as well as to host community activities.
It will include a woodland walk that will link the development to the wildlife site at the rear of the scheme, as well as natural play areas for children, a teens retreat and exercise space. A reimagined village green will sit at the heart of the development which will be car free – creating a safe zone for pedestrians and children.
There has also been specific emphasis on enhancing links between the development and the established local communities nearby. The Cathedral Green plans will improve the currently overgrown footpaths as well as maintain existing connections with the Kings Ely School located to the north of the site. In doing so, it will form a natural link between the scheme and the existing woodland, while also promoting safety and accessibility for existing and future residents.
“Aligned with East Cambridge District Council’s Development Plan, the scheme combines modern living with green and flexible working spaces, supporting quality of life and wellbeing for residents while enhancing the biodiversity of the area and the wider city.
“We would like to thank the City of Ely Council and the Ely community for engaging with us constructively throughout the development process and helping us to shape the scheme that has been put forward. We would also like to acknowledge the contribution of our extended team of partners including planning consultants Rapleys, architects RG&P, engineering specialists Jackson Purdue Lever and landscape architects Macfarlane + Associates.”
Gurdeep Gill, Associate Director, Godwin Developments
The Cathedral Green development is a 10-minute walk from Ely City Centre and a range of local amenities – such as food stores, schools and a doctor’s surgery. The site is 300 meters from Ely Train Station, which offers regular trains to Cambridge, London Kings Cross, Stanstead Airport and further afield.
The scheme also provides convenient access to the A10 – the main arterial route to Cambridge, Peterborough and London, and is well serviced by a local bus route leading to Ely City Centre and Cambridge. A range of local leisure and interest facilities are also nearby – including Ely Cathedral, Ely Marina, Ely Castle Mount and Cherry Hill Park.
“Residential investment – and particularly Build to Rent – is a key focus for our business. Our aim is to build the next generation of purpose-built rental accommodation for residents seeking quality homes and superior service. At the same time, we are also catering for the growing demand for long term stable income opportunities from investors.
“Cathedral Green, which will be the first Build to Rent scheme in Ely, is a new style of development just for rent, designed to attract a mix of residents, including families, single-person households, couples and independent senior residents – creating a truly multigenerational community. It will cater to a growing requirement for homes in suburban destinations, commuter towns and regional cities, that benefit from proximity to key areas of employment, access to nearby transport, private and public green spaces, amenities and local places of interest.
“When complete, the development will be under single institutional ownership and it will be professionally operated and maintained to ensure it remains a welcoming home to its occupants and an asset to the city for many years to come.”
James Mulcare, Head of Residential Capital Markets, Godwin Developments
Godwin Developments is currently progressing a number of other residential schemes across the country. Recently, the company announced planning submission for ‘The Meridian’ Build to Rent scheme, a 23-storey development in Sheffield city centre which will see 336 new apartments. Godwin Developments has also received planning success for its suburban scheme in Doncaster – which will deliver 60 Build to Rent properties.
