Mixed use developer First Base and investors Railways Pension Fund (RPMI Railpen), the team behind emerging plans for the Devonshire Gardens development, are donating a total of £4,000 to local Cambridge-based charities.
The sum was raised across three local consultation surveys feeding into emerging proposals for the redevelopment of the Travis Perkins site on Devonshire Road. Local residents participating in the consultations were able to collect points by answering questions and sharing their views on how the development could benefit the local community. Upon completion of the polls, participants were able to donate their points to either of the charities First Base partnered with – Blue Smile, which supports the mental health of children and young people or Allia, which supports entrepreneurs and businesses that aim to make positive change for people, communities and the planet – as a thank you for their participation.
Douglas Higgins, Project Director at First Base, said:
“The heart of a community is the people that live and work in the area and it’s vital that we listen to the local residents so that we create something they need and can enjoy. Engagement through consultation is the best way for First Base to understand how we can complement the community and giving back to the charities that operate here is one way we can thank participants. We are very pleased to be able to donate to Blue Smile and Allia so that the local community can continue to benefit from the great work they do.”
Allia will use the funds raised to contribute to the construction of three more relocatable modular units to provide housing for former rough sleepers, building on the successful pilot of six units in 2020.
Martin Clark, CEO Allia, said:
“We are currently looking for sites and indeed seeking further funding towards the total cost of the units. We’re grateful to everyone who filled in the consultations and donated to Allia for this purpose.”
Blue Smile will use the donation to help children at two local schools they have worked with for over five years – Cherry Hinton Primary School and Ridgefield Primary School. These schools receive a Blue Smile day every week where up to 18 children are provided with face-to-face arts-based therapy.
Jess Manley, Charity Director, Blue Smile, said:
“Children’s mental health has never needed more help than it does now as we emerge from the pandemic. The support of Blue Smile will help to ensure that the children we see in Cambridge who are struggling to cope with stress, anxiety, loneliness and worries about COVID-19, will get expert help to recover and experience happier childhoods. Without support, we would not be able to provide this kind of work – thank you for helping to make it possible.”
All phases of consultation were conducted in accordance with COVID-19 safety regulations at the time of the consultation process. The first round of consultation ended on Sunday 13th December 2020 and the second round ended on Monday 1st March 2021. A planning application is expected to be submitted by mid-2021.