Developers have revealed plans for a trial project to convert an unused office building in Cambridge into a fresh innovation center featuring a rooftop garden.
The Crown Estate aims to “bring new energy to Cambridge Business Park” and said renovating Robinson House will be one of the first steps in this effort.
Last Wednesday (23 April), councillors from both Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council got an update on the evolving plans before a formal planning application is put forward.
Robinson House, located on the business park’s western edge next to Milton Road, used to be Ernst and Young’s office but is now vacant.
The developers told councillors they want to turn the building into a “high quality showcase” as part of a broader masterplan for the entire business park.
The plan includes refurbishing the office block and expanding the reception area with two single-storey extensions.
A section of the current car park would be converted into a new modular lab building.
They’re also proposing a café, an events space, and an ‘urban farm’ on top of the building.
Lizzie Sears, development manager at The Crown Estate, explained that turning Robinson House into ‘Origin’ will kick off their bigger plan to redevelop the business park “into an asset which will generate a positive impact on the local community and surrounding areas, whilst contributing to the innovation economy, and pioneering sustainable solutions to address global environmental challenges”.
Ms Sears added: “What’s really exciting is that this empty Robinson House gives us a rare chance to set our goals for how we want the business park’s future to look, respond early to what people around here actually need and want, and involve community members right from day one in planning.”
“Robinson House will become Origin – The Crown Estate’s first innovation hub and lab space – planned for temporary use over 10-15 years.”
“It’ll help meet urgent demand for start-up workspaces here in Cambridge.”
“This will also bring Cambridge Business Park its first public food and drink spot right on site – something that’s much needed in this area – plus it’ll create places where people can casually meet up and bounce ideas around.”
“It’ll offer event spaces for local groups too, while giving The Crown Estate room to experiment with community connections and ideas about what comes next for Cambridge Business Park.”
Councillor Martin Smart (Labour, King’s Hedges) asked why they only expect the building’s use for about 15 years and what happens after that period ends.
Ms Sears explained that a survey showed Robinson House has an economic lifespan of about 15 years before it’d need demolition as part of final redevelopment phases of the whole business park; however, modular lab buildings are planned to be reused elsewhere.
Councillor Katie Porrer (Lib Dem, Market) was curious about the rooftop farm but pointed out keeping animals there might not be realistic.
Sears confirmed it would focus solely on growing plants rather than housing animals.
Councillor Dr Martin Cahn (Lib Dem, Histon and Impington) raised concerns about parking when events take place since only seven parking spots would remain available there.
Sears responded by saying people could probably use other parking spots within the business park during those times.
The Crown Estate revealed last November that their full masterplan aims to create over 4,000 new jobs alongside more than 250 homes plus new leisure spots, shops, and public areas.
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