District East: Cambridge’s new 23-acre centre for science

With the UK aspiring to become 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, recently received planning consent to deliver a world-class 23-acre urban science district in central Cambridge, known as ‘District East’.

Approved by Cambridge City Council’s planning committee, District East is located just ten minutes’ cycle from the central railway station and will be developed on a site that has been unused for decades.

One of the largest new urban science developments in the UK, District East 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.

Totalling 1,000,000 sq ft of GIA across nine 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 largely pedestrianised and publicly accessible masterplan 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. Access to extensive biodiversity-rich green space is also incorporated within the scheme, centred around meadow and lake habitats.

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 programme which is already being implementing in local schools.

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. With the scheme situated on a long-vacant brownfield site, our experts worked closely with the project team to assess the environmental conditions and recommend mitigation measures, helping District East secure planning approval.