Consulting Engineers
and Environmental Scientists

New Science District for Cambridge as 23-acre scheme gets planning green light

In a significant step forward for the UK’s aspirations to be a ‘science superpower’, specialist investor, developer and operator for the science and innovation sector Mission Street and BGO, a leading global real estate investment manager, received planning consent to deliver a world-class 23-acre urban science district in central Cambridge, “District East”.

Approved by Cambridge City Council’s planning committee subject to Section 106 and Conditions, the District East will be just 10 minutes’ cycle from the central railway station and will be developed on a site that has been unused for decades.

District East, which is one of the largest new urban science developments in the UK, will facilitate a variety of research and development uses, catering to companies throughout their growth journey, from start-up to large multinational, within a single location. Innovative companies that have previously been forced to relocate or fragment their businesses will have the space to scale within the ecosystem, with the advantage of being part of a major science and technology cluster in a central location.

Totaling 1,000,000 sq ft of GIA across seven buildings, the scheme’s design has been led by master planners Hawkins Brown in collaboration with other leading design practices. Anchored by a central square, the fully pedestrianised masterplan – open to the public – will create a destination for all ages, including units suitable for local businesses, fitness infrastructure, a threefold increase of play space for children, a diverse food and beverage offering and community events space.

Provision has also been made for an active programme of events such as Public Art including an Artist in Residence, and a STEM-based educational outreach partnership with the Cambridge Science Centre that is already being implementing in local schools.

Artem Korolev, CEO, Mission Street, said: “Since our first consultation with local stakeholders and the Cherry Hinton community, we’ve said that this is about breaking down the barriers prevalent with traditional science parks, creating an open and inviting innovation district, and putting the science on show. This project embodies the principle that it is entirely possible to blend R&D space for world-leading innovators with community amenities that everyone can enjoy.”

Waterman’s team has been involved with the scheme since the outset, with our environmental experts providing project management for the Environmental Impact Assessment, along with specialist Air Quality and Noise consultancy.

Commenting on the project’s planning application success, Waterman’s Technical Director and EIA Lead, Polly Clifton, said: “I’m delighted to see District East secure planning approval. This extensive scheme demonstrates how brownfield sites can be successfully reimagined to deliver world-leading facilities which benefit both the local area and the wider UK economy. We look forward to working with Mission Street, BGO and the project team again in the near future.”

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