The University of Cambridge has signed the developer agreement which has unlocked millions of pounds for community facilities at its North West Cambridge development.
The agreement confirms a £5.75 million contribution toward a new secondary school off Huntingdon Road as well as a new primary school, sports pitches, community and health facilities as part of the 3,000 home University site between Huntingdon and Madingley Roads and the M11.
The masterplan, which includes new homes, student accommodation and employment space, was given the green light by a joint committee of Cambridge City, South Cambridge District and Cambridgeshire County Councils in August last year, and the developer section 106 agreement now means planning permission can be formally issued to the University.
The University will now be submitting a series of Reserved Matters Applications for the scheme to the local authorities, which will be open to public consultation. Subject to the approvals by the local planning authorities, work on infrastructure will start later in 2013, and the first buildings are anticipated for completion from late 2015.
At the meeting where plans were agreed last year, councillors commented on the overall high quality design of the new neighbourhood, and were impressed with the measures taken to make sure the development is one of Cambridgeshire’s most sustainable – including a new innovative waste collection system and site-wide combined heat and power network.
The agreement also confirmed funding for new subsidised bus routes and enhanced timetables for existing services as well as public art.
Roger Taylor, the University of Cambridge’s project director of the North West Cambridge development, said: “Community building is at the heart of the North West Cambridge development. The public amenities of scheme will serve those who will live on the development and beyond, and these amenities will be delivered in the first phase as we believe they are important foundations to support a vibrant community. In addition, the section 106 agreement makes an important contribution to neighbouring areas by ensuring adequate provisions are made for both the new and existing communities.”
Councillor David Bard, South Cambridgeshire District Councillor and chair of the joint planning committee, said: “This development is vital to the next stage in the development of Cambridge and its University and will be an exemplar of sustainable living. The agreement with the University will see millions of pounds invested in very high quality facilities, including schools and healthcare which will be assets for both existing and new communities.”
Councillor Sian Reid, spokesperson for the City Council commented: “A strong future for the University means a strong future for the City in very many ways, and we are delighted this agreement is now in place so this ambitious new development moves forward for the benefit of all."
Cambridgeshire County Councillor Ian Bates said: “It is great news to see this agreement in place as this new development and investment in the University will be a major boost to jobs in the area and help attract even more business. A booming Cambridge economy is good for our local communities and the nation.”
Aecom has been advising the University on masterplanning and town planning for the project since 2003.