INTERVIEW | HILL EDITION
1,000 homes across 21 sites. From garage sites to major brownfield regeneration, these developments are making a real difference, creating high-quality homes that are accessible to a wide range of people. It’s about making sure new homes are not only well-designed, but also accessible and sustainable for the long term. You often talk about going beyond bricks and mortar. What kind of social impact projects are you most proud of? One that’s very close to my heart is Foundation 200, our pledge to design, build and gift 200 SoloHaus modular homes for people who are experiencing homelessness. These homes offer safety, dignity and a stepping stone to a more secure future. We’ve now completed 177 homes, including projects delivered with charities such as Emmaus Cambridge. We’re also investing in people’s futures: our training hub, in partnership with Cambridge City Council and the National House Building Council, near Histon FC, gives apprentices hands-on experience in a real-life building environment, and we’re also piloting employability programmes to help residents of Foundation 200 homes into work. Last year, in total across all regions in which we operate, our community initiatives delivered more than £30 million in added social value. The Hill Group has earned five-star housebuilder status for eight years in a row. How do you maintain that level of quality? It comes down to care and attention. Buying a home is such a personal and important step, and we want people to feel proud from day one. We focus on design, sustainability and long-term quality, and we listen carefully to feedback to ensure we keep improving. The fact that more than 95% of our customers would recommend us is a real badge of honour, and something we never take for granted. We are not perfect (no one is) but we will always learn from our mistakes and make sure we don’t repeat them. Finally, you were awarded an OBE in 2023. How did that feel, and what does it mean for The Hill Group? It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment and even more special to share the day with my family at Windsor. But really, it reflects the work of the whole Hill team and our partners. For me, it crystallises what Hill has always stood for: building quality, sustainable homes, communities where people can thrive and are proud to call home and creating a positive impact on society. It’s an honour that motivates me every day to deliver more.
like today. This flagship development is about much more than just homes: it’s been consciously designed so energy efficiency, striking architecture and community life all come together to create a thriving neighbourhood. The homes are modern and stylish, but what’s just as important is the spaces in between, such as cycleways, shared gardens and play areas, as they create opportunities for people to meet and connect. Knights Park has picked up a string of national awards, but what I value most is seeing its residents enjoying the lifestyle it offers. Marleigh Park is another standout development. How does it reflect your vision for new communities? Marleigh Park has been an exciting journey. It’s on the eastern edge of Cambridge, and we’ve designed it as a contemporary urban village; somewhere people can enjoy green space and fresh air, while also being minutes from the city centre. Since the development launched in 2020, it’s become a flourishing community with a school, community centre and plenty of open space. The Kestrel Building, our new collection of apartments, adds to the variety of homes on offer too. For me, Marleigh Park shows that sustainable, inclusive places can also be vibrant, welcoming and full of life. You’re also creating smaller developments like Sadler’s Yard and Farehurst Park. How do they complement the bigger projects? They show the variety of home types we build. Sadler’s Yard is a leafy neighbourhood just outside the historic city centre, perfect for people who want modern design close to the heart of Cambridge. Farehurst Park, in the village of Fulbourn, offers something different again: beautiful homes set among seven acres of open space, balancing countryside calm with city convenience. Big or small, our goal remains the same: to create beautiful homes and communities where people love living and connected lifestyles can flourish. Partnerships with local authorities have been key to your work. Tell us more about the Cambridge Investment Partnership… Our partnerships with local authorities are hugely important to us. Councils know their communities and land, and we bring design, construction and delivery expertise. Our first investment partnership with Cambridge City Council in 2017 has gone from strength to strength, a great example of what can be achieved through our tailored and flexible partnership model. Together we’ve already delivered more than
secondary school here, raised my own family here and was living in this great city when I first set up Hill. Some of our early developments were in Cambridge, including the redevelopment of the Farmers Club, the Plough and Harrow, later followed by Ninewells, Knights Park and Marleigh Park opposite Marshall. I consider myself lucky to live in the best city in the UK. Knights Park has won praise for its design and sustainability. What makes it stand out? Knights Park is part of the Eddington district – conceived by the University of Cambridge – and it’s really about showing what sustainable living can look
hill.co.uk
23
Powered by FlippingBook