Clarion and Durkan Homes award £10,000 to local charitable groups through new Eddington Community Fund

Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group and Durkan Homes, through their Eddington Community Fund, have awarded £10,000 to local charitable organisations and community groups working across the Cambridge area. The fund is designed to bring local people together, increase volunteering opportunities and deliver creative and cultural events in the community.

The partnership between Durkan Homes and Latimer will see the joint venture deliver 160 new high-quality homes at Eddington, the University of Cambridge’s North West Cambridge Development.

The new homes will have a focus on sustainable building, enhance the existing landscape, and include communal landscaped courtyards and private gardens.

As part of the commitment to sustainable and cohesive communities, the partnership has provided £10,000 to local charitable groups that successfully applied for the funding to deliver community activities, which started in late 2024 and will run throughout 2025.

The Eddington Residents Association, The Red Hen Project, Turtle Dove Cambridge and Transition Cambridge were among 10 organisations that received funding to deliver activities for residents of all ages to come together and connect.

Among other local groups, the fund is supporting Eddington Residents Association to establish the neighbourhood’s first community orchestra, as well as to deliver their volunteer-led, astronomy and nature walks. Not only does this activity champion Cambridge’s scientific heritage, celebrating the astronomer and area’s namesake, Sir Arthur Eddington, but also encourages people to be active and helps new residents meet their neighbours.

Matt Johnson, Head of Development for North West Cambridge for the University of Cambridge, said: “The University has partnered with Durkan Homes and Latimer to deliver 160 homes in Eddington to add to a sustainable, connected community. As we work towards creating a vision-led, cohesive neighbourhood, the Eddington Community Fund provides a fantastic opportunity to support local initiatives and events that enhance resident wellbeing and community cohesion.”

Will Hay, Eddington Residents Association shared, “The funding from Latimer and Durkan Homes has enabled us to run events that bring people together around a common interest and has created new connections across the community.”

Samantha Cheadle, Communities and Social Impact Manager, Clarion Housing Group said, “Our partnership with Durkan Homes exemplifies our mission to create sustainable, thriving communities in North West Cambridge. The £10,000 Eddington Community Fund reflects our commitment to supporting local groups and activities that bring people together, foster collaboration, and strengthen community ties. This project is about providing much needed homes as well as creating a vibrant, connected place where residents can grow, feel a sense of belonging, and build lasting relationships.”

James Underhill, Sales and Marketing Director, Durkan Homes said, “We’re pleased to be working with Latimer and the University of Cambridge to deliver new high-quality homes for local people to enjoy in Eddington. We recognise that we play an important role in shaping local communities and want to evolve how we support them beyond our core activity of building new homes. Through this fund, we’re pleased to be helping organisations access funding that will ensure local initiatives make a difference to individuals and groups within the community.”