Cambridge Science Park Unveils Ambitious 30-Year Redevelopment Plan

On September 18, 2023, Cambridge Science Park showcased its extensive redevelopment proposals aimed at transforming the site over the next 30 years. The exhibition detailed plans to create additional space for future growth, including a distinctive new initiative called the “Park of Science,” which will feature interactive scientific art and outdoor learning environments.

Trinity College, the founder of the park, intends to invest in three phases across more than five decades. The phases will focus on refreshing existing infrastructure, establishing the Park of Science, and constructing net-zero workspaces while replacing outdated buildings.

Community involvement is a key aspect of this initiative. The park is actively seeking input on the planning application, which is set for submission in early 2026. A second exhibition will take place on September 20, 2023, from 10:00 to 14:00 in the Waterside Suite at The Trinity Centre, providing another opportunity for public feedback. Additionally, comments can be submitted via the project’s website until October 10, 2023.

Founded in 1970 by Trinity College, Cambridge Science Park spans 150 acres and is home to over 100 science and technology companies, employing more than 7,000 individuals. The organizers of the redevelopment assert that the major improvements will “attract businesses, create jobs, provide new spaces and facilities, and generate a host of exciting opportunities for the people of Cambridge.”

The proposals align with broader government ambitions to establish Cambridge and Oxford as “Europe’s Silicon Valley.” Chancellor Rachel Reeves has claimed that this initiative could contribute an estimated £78 billion to the UK economy. Since 2017, the site has already seen an addition of 380,000 sq ft of floorspace, but the new plans aim to ensure that future expansion is more structured and efficient.

This is not the first time Cambridge Science Park has proposed expansion. In 2021, the park released its “vision for 2050,” which included plans for Cambridge Science Park North, located on the opposite side of the A14.

Despite the optimistic outlook, some community members express concern about the level of local involvement in the planning process. Local historian known as Cambridge Town Owl questioned whether the finance committee of Trinity College would prioritize the needs of residents in Arbury and King’s Hedges, areas noted for their economic disparities.

The organizers maintain that the redevelopment will be beneficial to the local community. “We want to open the Park to everyone. It will be a place where families want to spend time on weekends, where schools can bring students to learn and explore, and where innovators can find inspiration,” they stated.

As Cambridge Science Park embarks on this ambitious journey, it aims to create a vibrant hub that supports both local residents and the burgeoning technology sector in the region. The next steps in the planning process will be crucial in determining how well the project can balance growth with community needs.