Larkpoint Reaches Construction Milestone At Eye, Cambridge

Published by Mike Holland for Larkfleet Homes in Housing

Larkpoint (www.larkpoint.co.uk) has topped out an extra and close care housing scheme on behalf of Axiom Housing Association (www.axiomha.org.uk).

The scheme comprises 52 unit extra care apartments and 12 bungalows for older people with associated parking and landscaping on land off Thorney Road in Eye, Cambridgeshire.

The 52 apartments will be available to rent through Axiom Housing Association while six bungalows will be available to purchase and six made available through a shared ownership scheme. 

The main building on the development offers high quality extra care accommodation as well as a wide range of amenity and communal facilities. This extra care accommodation will act as a community hub, offering facilities not only to residents of the main building but also to the bungalows and to the wider local population.

To celebrate the construction landmark, Larkpoint and Axiom Housing Association held a topping out ceremony on site that was attended by members of Peterborough City Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), as well as representatives from Larkpoint, Larkfleet Group and Axiom Housing Association.

Councillor Marco Cereste, leader of Peterborough City Council, and Paul Kitson from the Homes and Communities Agency marked the occasion by laying the final two bricks.

Giles Nursey, a director of Larkpoint, commented: “The development looks fantastic and was a great opportunity for both Larkpoint and Axiom Housing Association to work together to provide quality extra and close care housing for older people. I am delighted with construction progress and anticipate completion on programme and to our usual high workmanship standards. I hope to work with Axiom Housing Association again in the future.”

Alan Lewin, CEO of Axiom Housing Association, said: “A growing population of older people means there is an increasing demand for this type of housing. This new development will allow that need to be met in Eye with the provision of high quality homes and facilities backed by our established and dedicated first class customer service.”

Paul Kitson, area manager for Cambridgeshire for HCA, commented: “We were delighted to see the efforts of all partners come to fruition in the completion of these extra care homes for local people. This project also contributes towards the wider local need for this type of housing, something that Peterborough City Council is striving to deliver.  It’s an excellent example of how through investment and skills the HCA enables local authorities to meet the needs and aspirations of their communities.”

The development was made possible following an intensive period of work by Larkpoint and Axiom Housing Association with Peterborough City Council, Peterborough Primary Care Trust and the Homes and Communities Agency to obtain planning permission and grant funding approval.

The development is being constructed using sustainably sourced timber frames supplied by Larkfleet Group company Kestrel Timber Frame and will include the use of photovoltaic panels that produce energy from daylight. The building will also benefit from combined heat and power generation which can reduce energy costs by up to 30 per cent.