What do you think about the plans for development around Cambridge North station?

Stage one of Cambridge North would seek to provide for a shortfall in office space in Cambridge.

CB1 developer Brookgate has submitted detailed planning applications for the first stage of a joint development with Network Rail around Cambridge North station, with plans for a hotel and office scheme.

The new development would be named Cambridge North. It encompasses over 30 acres and would include offices, up to 1000 new homes, a hotel, retail outlets and community uses - with the new rail station and transport interchange providing links to routes for cyclists, pedestrians and bus users.

Some residents have been disapointed with the delivery of CB1, criticising bland architecture and the developer’s decision to renege on delivery of community facilities included in the masterplan.

David Biggs, Managing Director, Network Rail Property, said of Cambridge North: “This project is a great example of collaboration between the private and public sectors. The partnership approach will help unlock land to deliver much needed new homes, attract new businesses and create jobs.

“The new Cambridge North station is a catalyst for this development and will promote wider regeneration in the area, supporting economic growth and helping to create places for businesses and communities to thrive.”

The submitted proposals for stage one of the development include 11,000sq m of office space, a 217 bedroom hotel and cafes and retail fronting the new station square.

The new public space will be named Cambridge Square forming the entrance to the new city quarter and transforming the current brownfield site into a ‘thriving mixed use development’. The scheme has been developed in partnership with Network Rail and DB Cargo.

Brookgate says stage one will help address a lack of office availability in the region.

Data released earlier this year by Bidwells showed that office supply within the Cambridge area had fallen to the lowest level for 15 years and availability rates were down to just 8.5%.

They say this combined with the demand for office space totalling 1.1m sq ft, highlights the continued confidence in the office and laboratory market in Cambridge.

A spokesperson for Cambridge North said: “We have been working closely with Network Rail, Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council on the plans to create an exciting new quarter for the city.

“Submitting these applications for a new office and hotel development is a significant milestone for Cambridge North, alongside the recently opened Cambridge North station. We’re very much looking forward to delivering this transformative scheme that will open up the potential of the area and unlock the north eastern fringe of Cambridge.”