Masterplan Planning Submission

For those working at Cambridge Business Park today, the ambition is to create a place that continues to support successful businesses while offering more for the people who use the Park every day. This includes new public spaces, cafés, shops, community facilities, improved walking and cycling routes, greener outdoor areas and better connections to Cambridge North Station and the Guided Busway.

The outline planning application establishes the overall framework for the transformation of the 20-acre site during the project. This includes the amount and type of development, access arrangements, public spaces, building heights and design principles. More detailed designs for each individual building plot would come forward through future planning applications.

The submitted proposals include:

• Up to 1.8 million sq ft of office and research and development space.

• A range of new homes, including affordable housing and co-living provision.

• New retail, leisure and community spaces, including shops, cafés, restaurants and services.

• A new main square and public spaces for events, markets, informal gathering and everyday use.

• New walking and cycling routes through the Park.

• Two mobility hubs supporting cycling, e-bikes, scooters, shared cars, EV charging and end-of-journey facilities.

• Greener outdoor spaces, including new planting, natural habitats and spaces for sport and play.

• A sustainability-led approach focused on water efficiency, biodiversity, reuse and retrofit where possible.

The proposals have been shaped by feedback gathered over two years of engagement with occupiers, local residents, businesses, community groups and stakeholders. This has included three rounds of public consultation, school workshops, youth engagement, the Ideas Exchange community panel and regular discussions with Park customers.

We are grateful to everyone who has taken the time to share views, attend events, ask questions and help shape the proposals so far.

The project would be delivered in phases over time. The Crown Estate will continue to work closely with existing customers, neighbours and local stakeholders to share updates, coordinate future activity and minimise disruption as the planning process progresses.

Further updates will be shared through the Cambridge Business Park Commonplace website and newsletters as the project progresses.