Babbage House in Cambridge to be renovated and extra floor added

Babbage House office block in Cambridge’s Castle Park is to be refurbished, with an extra floor and rear extension also added.

Developer BPS2 Varsity 3 Limited was given planning permission by city councillors for the plans, which will als improve the energy and water efficiency of the vacant three-storey building.

A representative of the developer told the planning committee last Wednesday (6 March) the company’s approach was “to retain and refurbish existing buildings”, explaining: “Retrofitting makes a significant carbon saving compared to a new build and the proposed scheme would upgrade the building envelope, improve energy efficiency of the building, and reduce operational carbon with an all electric building.”

Water-saving fittings are expected to reduce consumption by 51 per cent.

Some 34 car parking spaces will be removed and replaced with 100 cycle parking spaces, all of which will use Sheffield stands.

The representative said the plan is to “rejuvenate” the landscaping and help ensure the building makes a “positive contribution to the character and appearance of the conservation area”.

Cllr Sam Carling (Lab, West Chesterton) commended the work to reduce the water usage.

Cllr Katie Porrer (Lib Dem, Market) queried whether the cycle access was safe.

Council officers said the developer would “significantly upgrade” the painting of lines to show the segregation between bikes and cars.

Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the plans.