Plans have been proposed to convert student accommodation on Chesterton Road into housing for people experiencing homelessness.

The site, known as Crossways House, was previously used by CATS College, an international boarding school in Cambridge. 

The development would provide 20 ensuite rooms for individuals, with the condition that all rough sleepers would be brought inside during periods of severe weather.

From November 2024 to March 2025, the property was used as emergency winter accommodation managed by the homelessness advocacy group It Takes A City (ITAC).

Property consultancy and estate agent Carter Jonas has now proposed to extend that use beyond the winter months and convert the site permanently.

A statement on Carter Jonas’ website described the ongoing project, called Crossways: “[it is] in its third year. Over the colder months, it ensures that people who would otherwise be on the streets can find warmth, comfort, and dignity, and start a journey out of homelessness.”

The site's lease as student housing formally ended on 12 December 2024.

If approved, the site would continue to be managed by It Takes A City. The accommodation would have on-site staff during working hours and 24-hour security.

The proposal follows the March 2025 Homelessness and Rough Sleeping survey, which reported a 9% rise in people seeking council advice on housing stress over the last year, and a 28% rise over five years.

The initiative also comes after the launch of ITAC’s Charter to End Homelessness in August 2025, which received support from over 50 organisations, including Cambridge City Council and Cambridge University.

Cambridge City Council recently approved the construction of over 200 new homes as part of its ongoing housing development project.