About us
The Future of Eddington - Third Consultation
Welcome to our third round of public consultation on the University of Cambridge’s proposals for the future phases of Eddington, in the North West Cambridge development.
Following two rounds of consultation in September and December 2024, we’ve now refi ned our proposals further following stakeholder feedback.
Today, we are presenting our updated masterplan, which will be submitted as part of an outline planning application later this year.
Our Conversations So Far
We’d like to thank everyone who has participated in our consultation events so far and shared valuable feedback to help shape the future phases of the Eddington development at North West Cambridge.
During the two previous rounds of consultation, we have spoken with more than 700 local residents, Cambridge University students and staff members about our proposals for the future phases.
We have considered all the views and feedback we received and sought to integrate community and stakeholder input into our plans where possible.
Our Masterplan
Our masterplan for North West Cambridge will deliver up to 5,650 homes within a vibrant, cohesive new community, with 1,850 delivered or under construction in Phase 1 and up to 3,800 homes to be delivered in the future phases.
Our plans will create a sustainable, ambitious and enduring place which helps address the critical need for housing across Cambridge and allow the University to preserve its reputation as a world-leading institution.
The future phases will build on Eddington’s first phase, adding homes, University buildings, flexible offices and innovative mid-tech spaces to an established neighbourhood.
New Homes
Eddington is already a thriving community, with around 1,850 homes built or under construction.
The future phases will build on this success with 3,800 more homes, totalling around 5,650 homes. This will help address critical housing needs across Cambridge. Alongside this, Eddington will deliver up to 2,000 student homes.
The homes in Eddington will be designed to reflect and build upon the first phase, to create a wholly cohesive neighbourhood.
Height and Density
Our designs have been carefully considered to ensure Cambridge and the University’s housing need is aligned with a cohesive, well-designed development.
HOUSING DENSITY
At earlier consultations, we said we were looking to deliver up to 6,000 homes. As we develop our proposals, we have refi ned this to approximately 5,650 homes across Phase 1 and the future phases of Eddington. This includes a mix of University key worker housing and open market homes to meet the divers needs of Cambridge’s residents.
Future phases will follow the design principles set in phase one, ensuring a cohesive and integrated community, maintaining unity throughout the development.
The original consented masterplan included a maximum housing density parameter of 150 homes per hectare. Phase 1 followed a density of 90 homes per hectare, and the future phases will have a density of 108 homes per hectare. The look and feel of this density in the future phases will be similar to that of Phase 1, with a similar experience throughout the development. No new buildings will be within 20m of our site neighbours, while marker buildings will frame key destinations within the site.
HEIGHT
Thoughtful height distribution is fundamental to our future phases. Reflecting similar heights to phase one, our plans mean that the majority of buildings will range from two to six storeys, with a small number of buildings up to eight storeys. These taller buildings will create a dynamic skyline with differing roofscapes across the development.
The tallest structures will be positioned centrally to create landmark features and maximise green space. The development’s height will gradually decrease from the new, central Cartwright Avenue towards the edge of the site, allowing the development to fit well into its surroundings.
Employment Space
At the north end of Eddington, we’ve allocated over 100,000m2 for commercial purposes, blending office spaces, research and development (R&D) facilities, mid-tech units, and University faculty buildings. This area is designed to foster innovation and business growth while preserving the peaceful character of the surrounding residential areas.
The University is shaping a dynamic environment where academia and commercial innovation can thrive side-by-side. The northern area will serve as a key commercial hub, featuring office spaces, R&D facilities, and mid-tech units to drive innovation and job creation.
Our state-of-the-art mid-tech spaces will support high-growth businesses carrying out research, making prototypes, and developing technology. Around 40% of the space will be for commercial activity with flexible, well-equipped spaces to attract research engineers and tech companies, fostering collaboration and cutting-edge development.
The remaining 60% of the space will house University buildings, such as laboratories, flexible office space and research facilities. Designed for accessibility, it prioritises sustainable commuting, reducing car dependency and enhancing connectivity.
Sustainability
At our last consultation, we heard that sustainability in Eddington is as important to you as it is to us.
We will create an ambitious, sustainable development in a beautifully designed neighbourhood, with green and shared spaces throughout the site.
Green and Open Spaces
As part of our masterplan for the future phases, we aim for over a third of the development to be retained as public open space. It will mean more than 50 hectares of open spaces, which builds on the safe and accessible areas established in the first phase.
By working with the site’s natural topography, ecology, and water systems, we will develop a network of interconnected green spaces which support both people and nature, integrating open areas, new areas of planting, and spaces for sports and play.
BROOK LEYS
Brook Leys will be defined by a newly landscaped western edge, forming a natural buffer between the M11 and the future phases and enhancing the existing landscape.
Brook Leys will be a unique landscape that enhances the area’s garden character. By utilising existing natural features, we aim to improve the transition between built and natural environments. This will include various walking and cycling loops, including a 5km running route that connects into current trails.
Our updated landscaping plan uses locally sourced soil and combines woodlands with open meadows, creating scenic views to and from Eddington’s western edge while reinforcing its green identity.
NOISE IMPACT ASSESSMENTS
To ensure a comfortable living environment, we’ve also conducted noise impact assessments for homes along the western edge and explored design solutions to minimise noise from the M11.
By incorporating extensive landscaping and dual aspect units, we’ve successfully reduced noise levels to an acceptable range.
Shared Gardens
One of our key placemaking strategies for Eddington is the creation of shared gardens.
These are communal outdoor spaces designed to be enjoyed by all residents, providing areas where nature, social interaction, and community can flourish right outside your doorstep.
Feedback from previous consultations revealed a strong desire for areas that foster community spirit, and we are excited to bring these ideas to life.
Each garden will have a sense of enclosure, creating an intimate atmosphere that invites residents to dwell. Inspired by the idea of ‘drawing nature in,’ these gardens will act as green gateways, seamlessly linking the community with the surrounding landscape and strengthening the bond between people and nature.
By incorporating the principles set out below, Eddington’s shared gardens will become vibrant, multifunctional spaces that enhance everyday life, promoting well-being, sustainability, and a deep connection to nature.
Active Travel Routes
Our vision is for Eddington to be a connected, cohesive community that promotes sustainable modes of travel both through the development and into wider Cambridge.
Eddington already has exceptionally high levels of cycling, walking and public transport use: 79% of trips are made sustainably via these modes. We want the future phases to allow for the continuation of this trend, with more walking and cycling routes through, into and out of Eddington.
OUR ROAD NETWORK
We are focused on ensuring smooth vehicle movement throughout the development. Vehicular access to Eddington builds on the original planning consent, with adaptations that allow for seamless coexistence between vehicle traffic and active travel options.
Traffic calming measures will be utilised to ensure roads can accommodate all vehicles, and streets within future phases will be based upon a design speed of 20mph, following on from Phase 1.
Where necessary, the road network for future phases is designed to safely accommodate larger vehicles, including buses, emergency vehicles, and refuse trucks. The layout ensures these essential vehicles can move safely alongside pedestrians and cyclists, allowing for smooth and accessible movement for everyone within Eddington.
Infrastructure
We are committed to enhancing and expanding the supporting infrastructure established in Eddington’s first phase.
We have carefully considered the feedback from pervious consultations, ensuring our plans reflect the priorities of the local community. Input on free spaces, sports pitches, and outdoor amenities has played a key role in shaping these updated designs.
PARKING
In Phase 1, Eddington achieved high levels of sustainable travel, with most work trips made using sustainable transport.
Survey data shows low car ownership in Eddington, especially among key worker housing, which has no allocated parking and minimal demand for permits.
Future phases will continue this sustainable focus, with no dedicated parking for key worker housing, and an emphasis on shared transport options – such as Car Clubs – as well as electric vehicle charging. Private, open market residences will have dedicated parking with managed visitor spaces throughout the development. Additionally, 5% of parking will be accessible.
SPORTS FACILITIES
In response to feedback, future phases will include a variety of sports provision. This will include a 3G sports pitch and a dedicated 5k running loop, providing a variety of options for fitness and recreation. We’re also focused on individual activities to allow residents to enjoy sports at their own pace. A diverse range of facilities will be provided to cater to a wide range of active lifestyles, ensuring something for everyone in the community.
EDUCATION
We understand the importance of education and nurturing the next generation. As part of our future phases, we will provide space for a new nursery in the northwest area of the site, ensuring local childcare options continue to grow. The Univeristy of Cambridge Primary School was built with capacity to accomodate for the future phases and can expand as Eddington grows.
Additionally, we remain committed to supporting education in Eddington by making financial contributions to the secondary school in Darwin Green, helping to strengthen the educational foundation for the community.
Healthcare
Local NHS teams are working closely together with the University of Cambridge to plan for the opening of the new health centre in Eddington. This includes fitting out the health centre so that it has all the facilities health and care teams will need to look after local residents, and speaking to healthcare providers including local GP practices who may want to offer services from the centre.
We currently expect the health centre to open its doors to residents in 2026.
Next Steps
Thank you for taking the time to read our updated masterplan for the future phases of Eddington.
