Green light for 23-acre Cambridge science park

Cambridge City Council has granted planning consent for a world-class 23-acre science district in the city centre.

To be developed by specialist investor and operator for the science and innovation sector Mission Street and BGO, a leading global real estate investment manager, the district will be 10 minutes’ cycle from the central railway station and will be developed on a site that has been unused for decades.

The district, which is said to be one of the largest new urban science district 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.

A total of seven buildings will be constructed around a central square. The developers said the fully pedestrianised 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.

Mission Street CEO Artem Korolev, said: “Since our first consultation with local stakeholders, 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.”