Building on 800 years

July 2010 — After 800 years, looking to secure a continuing world-renowned status while helping meet the needs of the surrounding community, the University of Cambridge has commissioned AECOM to develop proposals for expansion in North West Cambridge.

A 140-hectare, university-owned site has been identified as the location for a new community and new university buildings that are environmentally, economically and socially sustainable. Currently used mainly for agricultural purposes, the site also features a number of existing residential and research buildings and is in close proximity to a range of other university and university-related sites, including Girton College and the World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

Set to become the largest expansion in the university's history, plans include a mixed-use sustainable development of university research and teaching facilities, 1,500 affordable homes for university staff, 1,500 market homes, accommodation for 2,000 students, community facilities and public open space. The proposals are intended to meet the university's development needs for the coming 15 to 20 years. They have been developed in response to the ongoing debate on the future of the Cambridge region, in particular the need for major housing development and the recognized need for a review of the existing green belt.

"The location and scale of the North West Cambridge masterplan makes it critical to the continued success of both the city and the university," said Heather Topel, project director. "It is a rewarding process to work with a client who is dedicated to delivering an exceptional development within the context of a profound, 800-year history."

AECOM has worked alongside the University of Cambridge since 2002 to provide planning advice for the release of the university site from the green belt to meet university key worker housing needs. This has included structure plan reviews, the Cambridge City Local Plan Inquiry (2006) and the North West Cambridge Area Action Plan Examination (2009). AECOM, working with architects Maccreanor Lavington and Wilkinson Eyre, has been reappointed to develop a detailed masterplan for the site and to submit an outline planning application for the scheme this year. AECOM's building engineers have also been selected to take forward the site's energy and waste strategies.

AECOM's efforts are aimed at helping the university meet its goal of increased permeability and cooperation with its surrounding community as it fulfills its own needs in a manner that promises social and environmental prosperity for both.

Fay Sweet