With diggers and construction machinery on the ground, Phase One of the North West Cambridge Development is starting to develop.
The construction of key buildings and infrastructure on the North West Cambridge Development is making good progress in what will be a key year for the project.
At the heart of Phase One of the development is the University of Cambridge Primary School, due to open for reception, year one and year two pupils this September.
As the first primary-level university training school in the country, it will serve the new community and local area, provide teacher training and – through close ties with the University’s Faculty of Education – develop best practice in educational research.
The school will be the first completed building on the site, and will play an important role in demonstrating both the commitment and potential of the development to the first residents.
To date the University has awarded construction contracts to the value of £160 million for works related to the North West Cambridge Development.
The investment in phase one of the development, which is due to be completed by spring 2017, includes 700 homes for qualifying University and College staff and 325 postgraduate student rooms. It will also provide many of the key services – the primary school, supermarket, community centre, hotel, local retail and doctors’ surgery – and infrastructure needed to create a vibrant and sustainable community. There will be market housing for sale.
The North West Cambridge Development is a key part of the University’s long-term plans to remain one of the world’s leading universities.
Heather Topel, Deputy Project Director of the North West Cambridge Development, said: “Our vision is to create a sustainable, long-lasting place centred around a mixed academic and urban community. Focusing on the delivery of the homes will provide much-needed housing in the city and will help the University to attract and retain the best staff.”
Proposed future phases of the development include additional housing, postgraduate student accommodation as well as academic and commercial research space.
More detailed news and updates can be found on the North West Cambridge website.