{"id":33559,"date":"2025-12-10T12:23:28","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T20:23:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/go-ahead-for-plan-to-level-cambridge-retail-park-for-life-science-hub\/"},"modified":"2025-12-10T12:23:28","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T20:23:28","slug":"go-ahead-for-plan-to-level-cambridge-retail-park-for-life-science-hub","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/go-ahead-for-plan-to-level-cambridge-retail-park-for-life-science-hub\/","title":{"rendered":"Go-ahead for plan to level Cambridge retail park for life-science hub"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Coldhams Lane site \u2014 home to 17 retail units including a large Asda \u2014 will now become a 1m sq ft life-sciences employment hub after ministers overruled Cambridge City Council\u2019s original refusal.<\/p>\n

The council rejected the plans in February, warning that \u201cenormous\u201d new blocks would overshadow neighbouring homes.<\/p>\n

But a planning inspector found light loss would be within \u201cacceptable\u201d limits, with fresh conditions added to control daylight, sunlight and overshadowing.<\/p>\n

The approved scheme is lower than earlier versions submitted by owner Railpen.<\/p>\n

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Existing Beehive Centre site<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Approved masterplan for new life sciences district<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The redevelopment scheme is forecast to create nearly 6,500 jobs and pump \u00a3600m extra into the local economy compared with the ageing retail park. Railpen has also agreed contributions towards new bus services, leisure facilities and delivery of a new public green space, Hive Park.<\/p>\n

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Matthew Howard, head of property at Railpen, welcomed the ministerial approval: \u201cWe are committed to ensuring that our scheme makes a meaningful and lasting contribution to Cambridge\u2019s economic and social progress.\u201d<\/p>\n

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