Girton Town Charity has increased its housing provision to help local residents by funding the construction of three cottages at Suffolk Terrace, available to those with a close connection to Girton, for a three-year appointment.
Among the successful applicants were Florence and Callum who both work at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
Florence says: “We saw the advertisement for the almshouses and knew straightaway that we should apply as it would be a great opportunity to be able to live in the Village independently, whilst also saving up for a deposit for a house which is our end goal. Being able to live near my parents and within easy reach of work also appealed to us both.
“My family home has been in Girton since I was seven years old. Callum and I both relocated back to Cambridge from London to save for a house deposit and have been living with my parents in the Village for the last year.
“After we completed the application form, we were invited for an interview by Girton Town Charity and were really excited to hear we had been successful. It has given us so much to look forward to, knowing that we can stay in Girton for the next three years and start planning for our future. As Cambridgeshire is such an expensive area for property, this opportunity gives us just the boost we need.”
Ann Bonnett, Chair of Girton Town Charity added: “As an almshouse charity, we are delighted that Suffolk Terrace is now completed and to welcome our new residents, including Florence and Callum, who can really benefit from having the time to save for their own home, whilst living near to family.
“I would particularly like to thank our appointed contractors for the project, Godfrey & Hicks who have worked on the cottages during the most challenging of years and have delivered a high standard of work, against the odds.”
Located on the former site of the Village’s Women’s Institute, the cottages are called Parsley, Pond and Searle after the original Trustees of the WI Hall and the name of the terrace also reflects a special piece of Girton history. The original First World War building to house the 11th Suffolk Battalion was purchased at a Ministry of Munitions sale by the WI and relocated from Cherry Hinton to Girton by horse and cart in 1920.
Image: Left to right: Florence and Callum receive the keys to their new home from Ann Bonnett, Chair of Girton Town Charity.