Before and after: Images show striking transformation of CB1 Estate in Cambridge over past 15 years

The district around Cambridge Station, known as the CB1 Estate, has undergone a significant change over the past decade and a half. From a neglected area with little more than tired office buildings, it is now a welcoming gateway to Cambridge; a more sustainable, safer and healthier community.

With 30,000 people passing through Cambridge Station every day, the CB1 Estate – the development encompassing Station Square and new offices along Station Road – is a hugely important part of the city. Whilst the first impressions of Cambridge are important for those visiting the area, creating a dynamic neighbourhood with new places to shop, eat, work and live around this major transport hub also supports the wider city.

Fifteen years ago, the area around the station was well used but lacked the basic amenities that would be expected of a major national transport hub, with much of the area unfit for purpose. Dated offices lined the streets, alongside an unwelcoming transport interchange, giving a disappointing arrival experience whether travelling by bus, car or bike. Hundreds of bikes were crammed into too few bike racks, with car parking and taxi ranks dominating the immediate area outside the station.

Combined with unused industrial buildings nearby, this made for an unattractive experience for those passing through the train station, not fitting for a city hailed worldwide for its academia, history and innovation.

In 2010, a vision for the area was unveiled, reimagining the station concourse, enhancing public spaces, improving the transport experience, and building much-needed new homes and offices to inject life back into this part of the city.

Cambridge-based developer Brookgate has brought this vision to life, renaming the district as the CB1 Estate. Brookgate’s investment into the area, alongside pension fund property owners, has unlocked this radical transformation with a focus on creating a sustainable, thriving community.

Now, visitors to Cambridge are greeted by a welcoming public square lined with cafés, pubs and restaurants, creating an engaging arrival experience. New buildings, designed by award-winning architecture practices, are set around the tree-lined square and adjoining streets.

Upgraded transport infrastructure means that pedestrians, cyclists, or those looking to hop on a bus or catch a cab, can easily and safely navigate to their destination within the city.

Newly-commissioned public art and open spaces create a pleasant, cultural visitor experience for anyone coming to the CB1 Estate. A programme of events curated by CB1 Community and Cambridge BID enliven the place with food stalls, markets, sports screenings and music events connecting the local community and bringing the neighbourhood to life.

More than 400 new homes, plus nearly 1,100 student rooms, all set around landscaped public gardens, are just minutes away from the station. Station Road is lined with cutting-edge office space, attracting innovative global organisations such as Apple, Amazon, Microsoft Research, Samsung AI, Deloitte and Mott MacDonald.

This transformation has turned the CB1 Estate into a nationally important hub, particularly for major UK and international tech businesses – reflecting the importance of the city on the global stage.

The revival of the area around Cambridge Station has transformed this important transport hub from an unloved collection of buildings into an active and integrated local community, and a welcoming gateway to the city, improving the experience of the neighbourhood for everyone that uses it.

With one of the final office buildings in the CB1 Estate, 10 Station Road, having recently completed, the finishing touches are being brought to the remaking of the area, now fit for the future of this amazing city.

To find out more about available office space at 10 Station Road, enquire now:

Max Bryan
max.bryan@bidwells.co.uk
01223 559 485

Harry Blevins
harry.blevins@bidwells.co.uk
07467 745 774

Ollie Mcleod
Ollie.McLeod@eu.jll.com
0207 399 5612

Edward Hoyle
Edward.Hoyle@jll.com
07763 203 875