History

The Society was founded in 1966 by members of Jesus College, Cambridge.

During the 1960’s, a number of public planning inquires were held in Cambridge. In 1962 a proposal for a multi-storey car park on the north side of King Street was put forward. This proposal was defeated by protests from the newly formed Civic Society and Jesus College, the owners of the site.

Members of Jesus College decided to set up a housing society to develop the site, now known as Manor Place and Malcolm Place – a scheme of 115 flats with commercial premises below the Malcolm Place flats. The Society would provide low cost housing to residents of the City.

The Society was registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act on 11th March 1966 and the first meeting of the founder-members of the Society took place on 24th May 1966. Seven of the founding members were Fellows of Jesus College, including the President, Professor Sir Robert Jennings, who was elected Chairman.

Further developments followed at Cockcroft Place and Robert Jennings Close. By 2004 the Society was managing almost 600 properties in and around the City of Cambridge.

A founding member, Derek Taunt (also a Fellow of Jesus College) published a history of the first 25 years of the Society in 1991. This has now been brought up to date in 2006 by Elaine Wheatley, a former Chair of the Society. Copies are available from the office.