University of Cambridge launches third round of public consultation on Eddington’s future phases

The University of Cambridge has given the first glimpse of its plans for the future phases of the Eddington development today ahead of a third round of consultation which begins this Thursday (27/03/25).

A series of CGIs showing the site at North West Cambridge will be at the heart of a series of public meetings. The imagery and wider consultation material – which includes a 3D model of the site – will enable the University of Cambridge to show its preferred option for an updated masterplan which will be submitted as part of an outline planning application later this year. The images set out the broad vision for the development, establishing key principles such as land use, scale and access.

The third round of public consultation builds upon the previous ones held in September and December last year which looked at where to put green spaces in the future phases and the types of community sports facilities which will be built alongside the new homes.

Overall, the updated masterplan for North West Cambridge is designed to create a sustainable, ambitious and enduring place. The proposals address the critical need for affordable housing for University staff and accommodation for post-graduate students.

In total, the development will deliver around 5,700 homes to support a diverse mix of residential and commercial spaces as well as features such as integrated shared gardens to support community living. This figure includes the 1,800 built or under construction in the first phase. Up to 50% of these homes will be for University key workers including post-doctoral researchers.

Overall, the density of the future development will be similar to the first phase of Eddington. It will include a mix of town houses, maisonettes and flats, with buildings ranging from two to six storeys – with a handful of landmark buildings up to eight storeys. These will all be integrated into around 50ha of open space. The masterplan shows how the height of the buildings will gently decrease towards the edge of the site to allow the development to fit well into its surroundings. Roof designs will vary to create a diverse blend of structures.

The final designs of individual buildings and plots will be finalised in later Reserved Matters Applications and the University will hold consultation events on these detailed plans.

The additional homes that will be built in the future phases will help support the wider private rental market in Cambridge by giving researchers and academics who want to make the city their home for a few years a new option for where to live. The housing challenges experienced by researchers is evidenced by a recent University staff survey of housing needs which found more than 88% of researchers who come to the city struggle to find a suitable home. The survey also found almost three quarters of researchers who come to Cambridge are interested in living in Eddington – showing strong demand for the homes being provided on site.

Additionally, being able to provide more homes will continue to allow Eddington to alleviate the acute stress on the Cambridge housing market by offering houses on the open market.

Alongside homes, the future phases will build on the community facilities already available at Eddington with additional sports pitches and community growing plots, as well as facilities like running routes and BMX tracks. In parallel, the health centre that was built in the first phase will shortly be fitted out by the NHS with services expected to be provided on site within two years, subject to agreements. The first phase also included community facilities such as the thriving University of Cambridge Primary School and the successful Storey’s Field Centre.

The University is also continuing to prioritise active travel at the development. Eddington already has exceptionally high levels of cycling, walking and public transport use as 79% of trips are made sustainably. It wants the future phases to allow for the continuation of this trend, with more walking and cycling routes through, into and out of Eddington.

Matt Johnson, Head of Development for North West Cambridge at the University of Cambridge, said: “At this third public consultation, we’re looking forward to showing how we have developed our masterplan by taking onboard the feedback we have received in the first and second rounds last year.

“We’re also excited to show the community CGIs and a 3D model which indicate how Eddington’s future phases may look. If you have any questions or comments, please attend one of our events across the city.”

Five in-person drop-in events will be held at the following locations. Booking is not required for any of these sessions:

STOREY’S FIELD CENTRE

Eddington Ave, Cambridge, CB3 1AA

Thursday 27th March, 15:00–19:00
Tuesday 1st April, 15:00–19:00
Thursday 3rd April, 15:00–19:00

THE LION YARD SHOPPING CENTRE

St Tibbs Row, Cambridge, CB2 3ET

Saturday 29th March, 10:00–14:00

WEST HUB

JJ Thomson Ave, Cambridge, CB3 0US

Wednesday 2nd April, 11:00–14:00

An online community webinar will also be held on Monday 31st March from 18:00–19:00 where the project team will present the proposals and answer questions. To join the webinar, please email consultation@eddington-cambridge.co.uk