Plans for more than 400 homes in north Cambridge development move forward.

The Chesterton Partnership has submitted an application for a mixed-use scheme on the railway sidings at Cambridge North station. It includes 425 homes and 53,700 square metres of commercial floor space.

The plans will have a focus on green space and wildlife - despite the urban nature of the area around Cambridge North station.

The development partnership involves Network Rail, DB Cargo and Brookgate. It proposes to build nearly 600,000 sq ft of office, laboratory and retail space on the 17-hectare brownfield site.

Jobs

The Cambridge North scheme is set to create over 2,000 construction jobs during a five-year construction programme.

Plans to transform the site area are already underway, with a 217-bed Novotel opened in May 2021.

In addition, One Cambridge Square with retail space at ground floor and office space above, will open in 2023.

Planned housing will include 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom homes for sale, shared ownership or affordable rent. 40% of the 155 homes for private sale will be designated as affordable housing.

Public Spaces

New public spaces include Chesterton Gardens at the heart of the residential quarter. They will create a neighbourhood courtyard including children’s play equipment, seating and extensive planting.

Sven Topel, CEO at Brookgate, 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.”

Biodiversity

Plans submitted show the development would create an 86 per cent net gain in biodiversity across the site. One of the areas developers particularly want to capitalise on is the shortage of laboratory space in the city.

It is estimated that 4,300 net additional jobs will be created once the scheme is fully operational. In addition, 2,020 construction roles will be required over a planned five-year construction period.

The plans are now being considered by South Cambridgeshire District Council.

Sven Topel, CEO at Brookgate, 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.”