Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook has praised the success of a Build to Rent community being developed alongside the University of Cambridge, after visiting the scheme this week.

Developers Apache Capital and Nuveen Real Estate confirmed that every home in phase two of the new neighbourhood at Eddington has been pre-let within just six weeks of launch, ahead of its official opening. The project forms part of the university’s masterplan for north-west Cambridge.

The development will ultimately deliver 373 homes, blending family houses with apartments for rent — one of the first schemes of its kind in the UK. The first residents moved into phase one earlier this year, marking Cambridge’s first purpose-built rental community with on-site management and resident support.

Designed for long-term renters, particularly professionals working in Cambridge’s innovation and science sectors, the Eddington scheme offers a range of homes with private gardens and shared green spaces. Residents also benefit from extensive communal amenities, including a pavilion, gym, yoga studio, private dining room, games room, cinema, and co-working areas, all opened in September.

During his visit, Pennycook met Jamie Snary, executive director of asset management and operations at Apache Capital, who said: “We have been able to bring together global institutional capital and best-in-class design to create a remarkable project that has, crucially, proven popular with local families. It underpins the changing demographic of rental households in places like Cambridge who want high-quality homes in beautifully crafted environments.

“We wholeheartedly believe this could be a model for the success of New Towns — and that thinking about community facilities, great architecture and infrastructure will be critical. We welcome Matthew Pennycook’s support.”