Apache Capital, Nuveen and The University of Cambridge celebrate construction works at Present Made of Eddington

The beginning of construction works at the UK’s first purpose-built-and-designed single-family housing development has been formally celebrated.
Stakeholders for Present Made of Eddington, the first development from Apache Capital’s single-family housing platform Present Made and delivered in partnership with Nuveen Real Estate and The University of Cambridge, came together to celebrate the construction works that began in Q4 2023. 

It is the first scheme from the Apache Capital and Nuveen Real Estate joint venture, formed in October 2023. 

The JV will operate on a programmatic basis, with each site assessed individually. Nuveen Real Estate and Apache Capital will work together to continue to source other opportunities to grow Present Made’s portfolio.   

Present Made of Eddington forms a key part of the University’s 150-hectare North West Cambridge masterplan, which includes 3,000 homes (of which 50% are for University key workers as affordable housing), 2,000 student beds, 100,000 sq. m. of employment space and 5,300 sq. m. of retail.  

Alongside high-quality housing built exclusively for rent, Present Made of Eddington will provide a range of amenities and shared spaces, including a communal pavilion, gym, yoga studio, private dining room, bike café, games room, cinema and co-working space. This will make Present Made of Eddington Cambridge’s first purpose-built and designed rental housing development with on-site professional management and amenity provision.  

The Present Made team will provide round-the-clock resident support, be responsible for all maintenance as well as running a year-long calendar of social and wellbeing activities. These will include zero waste pop-ups, cycling and running clubs, cultural celebrations, live music, art classes, cooking classes, charitable events and talks from inspirational people.  

Start on-site at Present Made of Eddington is expected later this month. Bennett Construction has been appointed as main contractor, with practical completion expected in late 2025. Alternative lender BentallGreenOak has provided a development loan facility for the project.  

The scheme is targeting Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5 and will be compliant with the new Part L Building Regulations, which will see a dramatic enhancement to energy efficiency and reduction in CO2 emissions.