Back to News
30 October 2003
A most unusual ground-breaking ceremony was recently held on Brooklands Avenue in Cambridge, hosted by award-winning developer Countryside Properties PLC. The event was organised to mark the start of the highly innovative 'Accordia' development, which is being created by Countryside Properties with their construction partner Kajima Construction Europe (UK) Ltd.
Chris Crook, Managing Director of Countryside Properties' North Thames division, together with Hiroshi Kaneko, Senior Managing Director of Kajima Corporation lowered a time capsule, filled with select memorabilia, into the ground within a landscaped area of the development. In keeping with Japanese tradition, invited guests were entertained with the breaking of a Sake barrel to convey good fortune on the prestigious development that is anticipated to be completed in 2007.
Chris Crook comments, "The ceremony has marked the start of what will undoubtedly become a landmark development for Cambridge and a celebration of our new relationship with Kajima UK. The contemporary houses and apartments that we are creating have already received an accolade at 'The Housing Design Awards' in recognition of their design excellence. In addition to the new homes demonstrating innovative architectural styles, they will also contribute towards providing the housing that is needed in order to meet the increasing demand within Cambridge city centre."
Simon Schofield, Contracts Director of Kajima UK, comments, "This is the first time we have worked with Countryside Properties on a venture of this magnitude. The traditional ceremony that marked the start of the development also served to highlight the innovation of Accordia and we are delighted to be involved in this prestigious project."
On completion, Accordia will comprise 378 contemporary houses and apartments, which have been designed by architects Feilden Clegg Bradley, Maccreanor Lavington and Alison Brooks. The new properties will combine highly contemporary urban architecture with clean modern lines and a very sensitive use of light and space. Roof terraces have been incorporated into many of the properties to create a desirable living environment where residents will benefit from open plan or flexible living spaces extending upwards and outwards, using extensive glazing, and sleek contemporary fittings.
Accordia is located less than a mile from Cambridge city centre, close to the Cambridge University Botanical Gardens on Brooklands Avenue. Additional high quality landscaping, including the creation of a wildlife corridor along Hobson's Brook, large open lawns, and children's play areas, will be incorporated to further enhance the existing mature trees that are being retained to provide the structure and framework for the development.
An element of affordable housing will be incorporated as well as numerous sustainable and ecological measures that are proposed to enhance the biodiversity of the site and quality of living both inside the homes and within the new community as a whole.
The new homes are anticipated to be released for sale in spring 2004, priced from approximately £200,000 to approximately £1 million.
Back to News
Information correct as at 30/10/2003