Next stage for station site at Cambridge North
The Chesterton Partnership has submitted plans for the next phase of a mixed-use scheme at Cambridge North on the former railway sidings land next to the railway station.
It is predicted to bring 4,300 jobs and is due to feature labs, offices, amenities, 425 new homes and green spaces. Designed by architecture firms Acme and Make, the Cambridge North scheme will include up to 53,700 sq m of new commercial space, including 5,353 sq m of flexible ground floor space.
The plans have been submitted to South Cambridgeshire District Council for approval following workshops and consultations with stakeholders, community groups and the local authorities.
The developers say new public spaces, such as Chesterton Gardens in the residential quarter, will create a neighbourhood courtyard environment, with children’s play equipment, seating and planting.
A new civic space, Chesterton Square, is earmarked to provide a public space, while there will be a ‘wild park’ with planting and a pond. The developers say the proposals will lead to an 86 per cent net gain in biodiversity across the site, with more than 350 new trees planted and landscape areas on building roofs.
Sven Topel, CEO at Brookgate, which is developing the area, said: “The next phase of the regeneration of the derelict land surrounding the new Cambridge North railway station will create a new community that will be enjoyed by those that live and work there but also by its neighbours and those that visit.
“The plans respond to a local need for high-quality homes and workplaces and will provide a variety of leisure and community facilities and public open spaces to reinvigorate a neglected area. This development will create a sustainable, bio-diverse and inclusive community that responds to climate change and environmental challenges.”
The developers promise highly-sustainable and energy-efficient buildings utilising on-site renewable energy “providing a route to net zero carbon”. Commercial buildings are expected to target energy performance certificate A and BREEAM outstanding ratings.
Work to transform the area around Cambridge North is progressing. A 217-bed Novotel opened in May 2021 creating more than 60 full-time jobs. One Cambridge Square, with retail space on the ground floor, is under construction and due to open in 2023.
Brookgate, the Cambridge-based development and investment company, is also delivering the CB1 regeneration around Cambridge’s main railway station, in partnership with landowners Network Rail and Jesus College.
