The University supports the proposed policy direction for West Cambridge to develop as an Innovation District, in accordance with Cambridge City Council’s resolution to grant outline planning permission (16/1134/OUT). We agree that it is important to provide a mix of complementary uses to support research activities; the new Shared Facilities Hub will open in 2022 and proves a new model for shared workspace to support agile working, collocated with a café, restaurant and retail facilities with active frontages located next to new high quality urban realm. We agree that as well as providing high quality walking and cycling connections, development should maximise the opportunity provided by public transport improvements such as the proposed Greater Cambridge Partnership Cambourne to Cambridge scheme. The University is working collaboratively with the Greater Cambridge Partnership in order to deliver part of the Cambrourne to Cambridge scheme along Charles Babbage Road in West Cambridge, and to deliver part of the proposed Comerton Greenway through the site.

Please note, however, the forthcoming outline planning permission for West Cambridge does not include the development of additional residential units, and that part of policy should be deleted. The University is focussing its delivery of housing at North West Cambridge.