The new Innovation District in North East Cambridge might not be getting the attention it deserves, some say, as fresh plans for revamping Cambridge Business Park are revealed.
The Crown Estate, which owns the site, wants to turn it into a greener and more lively spot for science, innovation, and community activities.
As reported by the Cambridge Independent, the plan is for this place to support up to 8,000 jobs alongside homes, shops, restaurants and plenty of green areas.
The Crown Estate describes it as a “welcoming new centre for North East Cambridge,” featuring 10 acres of public spaces and up to 1.7 million sq ft of flexible office and lab space.
This revamped business park-now around 40 years old-will act as a gateway to an ‘Innovation District’ that’s important on a global scale, connecting with nearby projects like St John’s Innovation Park, Brookgate developments at Merlin Place and Trinity Hall Farm.
Matthew Sampson from The Crown Estate told the Cambridge Independent: “The potential for this and the ambition and scale of the district has gone a little bit under the radar. We’ve had the Global Institute of Innovation Districts come around and say ‘Wow, you’ve got all the ingredients here to be really globally competitive as a place’, so we’re trying to raise the ambition across the board.”
With major upgrades also planned at Cambridge Science Park just across Milton Road, there’s going to be massive change in this part of town over coming years.
The latest public consultation on The Crown Estate’s ideas is open until December 7th.
They hope to apply for outline planning permission by summer 2026 with construction possibly starting in 2027. The whole project might take between 12-18 years to finish.
The focus now is on inclusive innovation; they want these changes to offer much more than just workplaces.
Plans include about 210 new homes in different styles plus another 200-250 co-living units mainly aimed at solo renters but with shared facilities.
“Historically, these types of science/business environments were done on a 70s/80s/90s model of being inward-looking, car-driven, with not a lot of mixed uses and they also happen to be near each other,” said Mr Sampson.
“We’ve done a lot of work to look at the modern way of making these sorts of science/employment-led environments function better and be part of the city and deliver more holistic value to make them integrated innovation districts.”
The plan includes freeing up about ten acres (more than six football pitches) by moving surface parking into two mobility hubs offering multi-storey parking but also supporting active travel options while generating electricity too.
Mr Sampson added: “The prioritisation for the ground floor will be around cycle space, shared mobility, micromobility, scooters – making it really easy and accessible with all peripheral facilities like showers or lockers – so people can actually use it well.”
The design also includes new walking/cycling routes throughout plus possibly adding a guided busway stop within site boundaries.
“It’s not within our control entirely,” Mr Sampson said about that stop “but we think there is general support for a new guided bus stop and crossing.”
The plans call for over 215k sq ft dedicated natural habitat including urban orchards & wildlife ponds aiming to cut water usage by about half compared with typical projects this size-saving roughly six million litres annually once finished.
“We’re very aware of the local water crisis,” said Mr Sampson.“With our sustainability ambitions, we always aim to have very water efficient schemes. We’ve got an advantage thanks to having such a big site.”
A sustainable drainage system along with ways to keep greywater will form part of their masterplan strategy he explained.
“We’re hoping to open up some new waterways too. Where there’s already one drain northbound, a culverted drain runs beneath our site which fits nicely into what would become public parkland. So we want to open that back out again. It’ll help biodiversity, welfare, and create nice amenity spaces,” suggested Mr. Sampson.
Many mature trees currently growing onsite will stay intact he confirmed.
Existing buildings will be kept where possible too, to reduce carbon impact – three buildings have been flagged so far – Autonomy House , Newnham House , and Selwyn House.
The Crown Estate plans working closely with existing tenants who hold various leases, potentially involving them when designing future offices or labs.
“There has been general feedback that we want variety in skyline,” said Mr. Sampson explaining they want different building heights across campus.
An indicative image how mixed-use neighbourhood might appear. Cambridge BP. Pic. Studio Egret West.
“There’s always temptation toward similar heights everywhere, but that doesn’t build vibrancy or help people find their way easily. A varied skyline brings character.”
“We’re testing lots right now – where we can push higher here or lower there. And you need certain density levels if you want great ground-floor amenities. People want places close enough they can walk rather than driving far. From growth perspective, Cambridge North station represents huge infrastructure investment. You need housing nearby; otherwise you’ll creep onto sensitive Green Belt areas.”
A big priority is working together locally.
“We’re partnering heavily with sports groups plus organisations like Cambridge Cleantech & Form The Future. We’re keen on joining forces wherever good stuff’s happening,” Mr Sampson said.”Our whole design team has signed social value pledges – engineers & landscape architects included. We’ve visited schools & are eager collaborating with local charities.”
Taking input from current consultations, the plan is unveiling full masterplan spring next year before applying summer ’26. Plans then get detailed per building clusters – more feedback happens through those phases too.
The first phase early ’27 focuses on site’s gateway zone known as ‘Testbed’ featuring office space plus spotlighting innovative building materials.
“Depending on market demand, it might involve one, two or three buildings likely alongside one mobility hub soon after. That setup lets us adjust development plots since parking shifts unlock land,” explained Mr. Sampson.
Below are highlights from recent exhibitions sharing these ideas:
If you’re interested, you can see displays online & leave your thoughts till December seventh here:TILL DECEMBER SEVENTH
The Vision
“At The Crown estate, we start early thinking about vision,” said Mr. Sampson.”We spent ages considering impact & goals.”
“Others notice parts thriving while others miss out. So central idea links local social impact & national mission-driven innovation. We want brilliant businesses launching here but properly woven into community so everyone benefits&shares opportunities&growth.”
“On skills, we aim high. Also big goals pioneering sustainability – trialling materials/testing. New carbon targets set, in partnership with university & Sustainability Leadership Institute. Making progress raising district standards.”
“Economically, we focus on variety letting companies grow from small ideas right up HQ level. Our incubator Origin supports startups. Grow-on space features in masterplan. Some pilot/prototype spots included though often overlooked financially. These boost business greatly-we’ll do curation, support,& ecosystem building too.”
“Having such large phased site means we cover all growth stages comfortably.”
Sewage Works Collapse Impact
An Anglian Water sewage plant sits beside CBP. It was meant move into Green Belt Honey Hill clearing room thousands homes based around Hartree community. Until government pulled funding, no further plans yet. Knowing council owns nearby land, might still see development. This sewage works limits residential growth here though.”
“We can do up-to five hundred homes but restrictions tied technical/environmental issues linked sewage works block us currently,” says Mr. Sampson.“If those lifted, we’d seek flexibility.”
“Hartree looked promising. Added value overall. But either way, this area’s scale remains globally key-a vital growth spot city-wide.”
“That means our role grows bigger connecting things. More responsibility making sure our scheme hits top marks. Biggest importance lies now ensuring amenity/community facilities fit district goals, Hartree helped deliver some before.”
City Connections
Gone are days parks wanted isolation. Now opening access/connectivity matters. This shift underway since last consultation.”
”Big improvements made linking walking routes city/East Chesterton. All open-to-public now,” says S ampson. ”Currently only single entry point-not ideal. Idea now permeability. Bikes allowed both sides routing through. Easy pedestrian access key connecting north no matter future changes.” ”Main southern link stands out most especially proposed guided bus stop. Must get safety perfect. Crossing Milton Rd tricky. Holding talks highways/stakeholders collective fix supported strongly.”
Character Areas
Four zones planned:
- Main Square – labs, state-of-the-art workspaces showcasing science, new shops, cafes,& eateries. The Phoenix Trust involved creating welcoming spot locals enjoy;
- Testbed – experimental workspace cluster, mobility hub including parking, and Origin innovation hub recently approved. Buildings include co-living homes marking entrance;
- Mixed-use neighbourhood – range housing types + workspace + residential gardens;
- Park Edge – green community space w play/sports facilities, labs, new water feature. Community groups invited give input;
Amenities For Community
A picture illustrating Origin development planned at Robinson House inside CBP provided by Studio Egret West/The Crown Estate.
While talking plans over w ith current tenants (some may join designing fut ure buildings), many new firms should b e drawn i n. ＜br />Source link
