What will the North West Cambridge Site be used for?
The University is keen that the site should contain a lively mix of uses that will create a strong community for those who live and work there together with facilities that will benefit adjoining areas. Options for the development are still being considered but it is envisaged in the Area Action Plan that the site will include:
Why is it needed?
 The University of Cambridge is one of the world’s leading universities. It is renowned for the excellence of its teaching and research, and it makes a significant contribution to the prosperity of the city of Cambridge and UK economy. To maintain its reputation as a world leader, the University must continue to develop and grow. In particular the University needs to address the issues of :
- The lack of affordable accommodation for its staff and post-graduate students
It is anticipated that student numbers will increase by around 5,000 over the next 25 years and staff numbers will increase by approximately 3,000 people. With high house prices and high rents in Cambridge, we need to provide new affordable accommodation for postgraduates and staff. It may be that further private housing could be made available for sale to relieve the general housing shortage in Cambridge.
 The need to foster research and development
In recent years, business and academic interests have become more closely linked, with universities and companies working together on research projects. These links are at the heart of the ‘Cambridge Phenomenon’ – the clustering of high technology companies in the region, and are critical to the success of the UK economy. The University needs to take full advantage of these links, but without the physical expansion of the University, future opportunities may be lost to Cambridge and existing companies may move elsewhere. |
