Bidwells’ Land and Development Department will support the CLT in identifying and assessing the suitability of sites in the Greater Cambridge area to create micro-communities of modular homes that provide a safe, comfortable environment for people to move away from homelessness.
In February, the CLT welcomed the fourth and final resident to its inaugural modular micro-community, Joy’s Corner. Bidwells provided project management support for this landmark project to deliver self-contained, fully equipped homes that ensure people who have experienced rough sleeping have the stability of a fixed address, whilst receiving ongoing specialist support from founding partner It Takes a City (ITAC).
As a B Corp Certified business, Bidwells’ partnership with the CLT aligns with its declaration to drive positive social and community impact. By leveraging its relationships with major landowners, Bidwells will assist the CLT in finding suitable underused sites to continue the initiative in the city to address the urgent housing need. Though initially focused on land for temporary use, the CLT intends to work towards schemes on either permanently owned or long-leased land to support the initiative and assist those in housing need.
Neil Kelly, Partner and Head of Land and Development at Bidwells, said:
“Stable housing is a critical first step in rebuilding the lives of those who have experienced homelessness. Without a fixed address, tasks that many of us take for granted, such as finding work or even opening a bank account, become nearly impossible.
“Bidwells’ roots are firmly planted in Cambridge, and while the city has multiple thriving aspects, we must continue to take an active role in supporting the core needs for the people in the city. To expand this work and support more individuals, we need landowners to come forward. Even small sites play a crucial part in creating safe, secure homes, and in offering real hope to those working to move forward.”
Chris Jenkin BEM, Founder and Chair of It Takes A City and ITAC Community Land Trust commented:
“We had an amazing group of partners who supported us in delivering this innovative project, which is part of the larger efforts to end homelessness and rough sleeping in Cambridge.
“The knowledge and experience of the team at Bidwells were invaluable in developing Joy’s Corner, and we are delighted that they will continue to help identify and assess other potential sites in and around Cambridge.”
