Shortlist announced for the North West Cambridge extension

Written by Karissa Rosenfield
Published on March 14, 2012

In order to compete in an increasingly competitive global market and address long-term development needs, the University of Cambridge is undertaking an ambitious new urban extension in North West Cambridge. The master plan for the development, prepared by Aecom, lays out the framework for a new district centered on a mixed academic and urban community. With aspirations of achieving place that is well balanced, long-lasting and sustainable, the University is focused on creating a high quality of life for its residents that will enhance both the City and the University.

The University is now looking to appoint a number of architecture and landscape firms to design and deliver each proposed lot as part of the first phase of the extension. The shortlist consists of internationally renowned architects, including Bjarke Ingels Group and David Chipperfield Architects. Continue reading to learn more information on the extension and review the complete shortlist.

Owned by the University of Cambridge, the 140 hectare (345 acre) site is currently a mix of farmland and University buildings. Approximately 90 hectares will be developed and 50 hectares will remain open space. High-quality green spaces and strong pedestrian and cycle links will connect the surrounding areas, as living, learning and research accommodation will boost revenue for the University. Elements of the scheme include the following:

Everyday life: A local center will consist of a primary school, hotel, health care, community center, police department, supermarket and local shops. Also, attractive and affordable rental housing will be available for University staff.

Outdoor life: Approximately 7.5 hectares of central green space and parkland corridor will connect the surrounding areas. A 23.5 hectare landscaped area on the north-western edge will provide an area for extensive habitat restoration and enhancement, along with allotments for resident food growing opportunities.

Academic life: Three concentrations of academic and research activities, adjacent to the existing Madingley Rise sites and along the western edge of the development and in the north-west corner, will create around 60,000 square-meters of academic facilities and up to 40,000 square-meters of commercial research and development space.

Family life: Lower density residential development will create three new neighborhoods with private gardens and spaces backing onto existing residential properties. Blended within these neighborhoods will be family housing for University staff and market housing, creating a total of 3,000 homes.

Collegiate life: Accommodation for 2000 postgraduate students, in new colleges or annexes to existing colleges, will meet the needs of a growing student population close to the local center and along the western edge of the development.

Sustainable life: A public transportation corridor will eventually link West Cambridge with the Cambridge Science Park and will also connect the proposed scheme to the NIAB development and planned Chesterton railway station. Advanced energy performance will be integrated into the development from the strategic scale to the detailed building design level. The site and buildings will be constructed to very high standards of environmental design.

The North West Cambridge development openly pledges to develop greater awareness about sustainable living, base decision making on long-term sustainability, build with high quality sustainable materials, reduce car use and monitor and publish all environmental performance data.

Phase 1 comprises eight Lots, requiring six architectural practices (Lots 1 to 5 and 7) and two landscape design practices (Lots A and B). Most of the building types are residential but there is also a supermarket, other retail spaces and community facilities.