The masterplan for the 150-hectare mixed-use development includes 3,000 homes (50% created and retained by the University as affordable homes for staff), accommodation for 2,000 students, a local centre with a supermarket and retail units, primary school, nursery, community centre, doctors surgery, hotel and senior living, as well as substantial landscaping and open space for recreation and leisure.
The North West Cambridge project is aiming to be the UK’s first development of this scale to meet the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5 (residential) and BREEAM Excellent (all other buildings).
Project director Roger Taylor said: “The University secured planning consent for the scheme in February 2013, which includes the Section 106 agreement. The University’s commitment to community-building allows development partners to focus on house-building for the next generation - delivering exceptional quality in design and pushing the boundaries of sustainability. It is a superb opportunity for developers, large and small, to be an integral part of the first phase of Cambridge University’s single largest capital development in its 800-year history.”
Phase One at North West Cambridge includes four lots for market housing developers, presenting opportunities to develop a mix of apartments and houses from 65 units to up to 400. The University has a flexible approach to the configuration of these lots, and will respond to the credentials of each developer on merit and ambition.
Works on infrastructure will begin this year with completion of Phase One due from late 2015-2016. Development partners should register at www.nwcdevelopment.co.uk for the next steps.
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