Green Gown Awards 2016 – Community – University of Cambridge– Finalist

North West Cambridge Development - Creating a long-lasting, sustainable new district for the University and City of Cambridge

The North West Cambridge Development is a new urban extension to Cambridge covering 150-hectares for a future community of approximately 8500 people. The vision is to create a long-lasting place for a mixed academic and urban community that will be an exemplar of sustainability.

The University has taken a long-term perspective to place making, afforded from its unique position in the community. Extensive engagement with local stakeholders, community leaders and politicians through long-term dialogue and collaborative planning, alongside new community infrastructure and significant monetary investment in this new part of Cambridge for the benefit of new and existing community has laid strong foundations for a thriving community. 

Opening in 2017, the first phase includes 700 affordable homes for University staff, 325 student rooms, supermarket, shops, community centre, Doctors’ surgery, alongside infrastructure and 24 hectares of open space. The University-sponsored primary school opened in 2015 serving a local catchment. 

Top 3 learnings

1 Collaboration has been key to the success of our project, working with stakeholders and development partners for the long-term benefit

2 Creating and communicating our compelling, shared vision has helped stakeholders to understand the complexities of our plan

3 Fronting the scheme personally has enabled us to build strong relationships with local community leaders, neighbours and stakeholders for the benefit of the project and the University. 

Videos

• North West Cambridge Development - Creating a long-lasting, sustainable new district for the University and City of Cambridge (click to hide)