Handover of 15 new Almshouses in Girton takes place

Handover of 15 new Almshouses in Girton takes place

A Community-Led Housing initiative at Dovehouse Court in Girton has formally completed 20th March,  providing 15 new homes in the form of Almshouses for over 55s who are living in or have a close connection to Girton. The project was funded by Girton Town Charity (GTC) and a £675,000 grant from the Combined Authority, and delivered by Barnes Construction, Northmores and Mole Architects.

Built to stringent Passivhaus standards to ensure high levels of energy efficiency, the homes have been designed for extended independent living including easy wheelchair access. Internal layout of the homes includes a master bedroom and small second room, open plan living/kitchen/dining area with access to balconies or individual terraces on the ground floor and communal landscaped gardens with seating, an orchard and allotments.

Ann Bonnett, Chair of Girton Town Charity said: “This is an important milestone for GTC and we are delighted that after many years, our plans to futureproof housing in our Village have come to fruition. Our vision to provide homes that are not only practical but attractive to live in has been realised and the Trustees would like to thank all the contractors who have done such a splendid job over the last 18 months, as well as the Combined Authority for giving us a grant to assist with the costs.”

Speaking of the project completion, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Dr Nik Johnson said: “This is a wonderful development for the people of Girton, providing energy efficient homes that are not only practical, but also enjoyable places to live with access to communal green space. Allowing extended independent living for those with a connection to Girton benefits us all, and I wish all of the residents who will begin moving in next month the very best for the future.”