Plans submitted for new Cambridge science district

A mockup of one of the research and development buildings. Credit: Mission Street

A planning application has been submitted for a new science district in Cambridge. The proposals for a former landfill site off Coldhams Lane include new science facilities, publicly accessible green space and community spaces. There will also be a public play area.

The brownfield site in question was a chalk pit in the 1950s and 1960s. It was then backfilled in the late 1960s and early 1970s with household, commercial, and industrial waste.

In a planning statement submitted as part of the application, developer Mission Street said it intends to work with local schools to allow use of a proposed pavilion for education and extracurricular activities. It also said it will mandate all tenants to become 'Cambridge Living Wage' employers.

We first wrote about Mission Street’s plans for the site in October, when it was announced by the developer that the new science district will create thousands of jobs.

Mission Street also previously commented on concerns that were raised about rejuvenating a former landfill site. The developer said the worst thing would be to maintain the status quo and that developing the site would improve the situation.

Commenting on the planning application, a Mission Street spokesperson said: "Our vision is to create a globally significant science destination that fully integrates with its neighbourhood and transforms Cambridge lives."

The planning statement added: "Cambridge has a key role in the national agenda to drive innovation growth in the UK."

Cambridge has long been touted as the ‘silicon valley of Europe’ and developments like this are needed to help the city on its mission to be recognised as a global tech hub.

A decision on the application is expected to be made in 2024.

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