Opportunity for residential housing partners to invest in future expansion plans

The University of Cambridge, as Principal Developer of its £1 billion mixed-use scheme at North West Cambridge, is seeking market housing developers in this rare opportunity to work collaboratively to create an urban extension befitting the city.

Setting new standards of quality and sustainability, the North West Cambridge development will be the first development at this scale in the country to be built to the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5 (residential) and BREEAM Excellent (all other buildings).   

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), 2,000 student bedspaces, 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 development is part of the University’s long-term growth needs.   

Roger Taylor, Project Director for the North West Cambridge development, 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.  

North West Cambridge will be an exemplar of sustainable living. In addition to the ambitious building and design plans, the landscape and infrastructure intentions for the development will encourage people to lead sustainable lives through carefully considered measures, including a Green Travel plan.  The University will provide site-wide features and infrastructure such as an energy centre, and water and waste management systems that will enhance the site’s sustainable characteristics. The majority of the public realm will be managed by the University’s Estate, with over a third of the site being designed as open, green space with extensive tree planting and other measures to enhance the local biodiversity and ecology of the site.

Works on infrastructure will begin this year with completion of Phase One due from late 2015-2016. A developers briefing will be held on June 4 2013 in Cambridge.