The Cambridge Research
The �100m Cambridge Research Park at Landbeach on the outskirts of Cambridge has outline planning permission for B1 Research and Development, laboratory and office buildings together with a hotel and ancillary facilities, a recreation area and wildlife refuge. The scheme is being undertaken by Suon Cambridge Ltd, a joint venture between Suon and Carisbrooke Investments. A detailed planning application was recently submitted to South Cambridgeshire District Council for the 17-acre first phase of the Research Park. This comprises a dual carriageway access/estate road and filter lane from the A10 roundabout to a new internal roundabout that will link to further phases. Assuming consent is given, the development team will immediately commence the draining of the front lake and the creation for a new land mass upon which the first phase estate road will be built; allowing access to attractive serviced plots. However, prospective occupiers could have new premises built much earlier than that on the existing land fronting the A10. Up to 9,290 sq metres (100,000 sq ft) could be built there now subject to detailed planning consent. A key element of the Research Park will be the quality of its environment. The site already enjoys many lakes as consequence of historic mineral excavations. The developers aim to retain the watery amenity but create a more natural fenland style environment indigenous to the area. The indicative masterplan shows the style of the structural water/landscaping proposed with large areas of water retained and dukes created alongside the new roads. In addition it is anticipated that as each individual building is developed additional water areas will be created as part of that plot's landscaping. South Cambridgeshire District Council have previously designated the lake and willow woodland to the rear of the site as wildlife refuge areas. Recognising the importance of establishing these areas as soon as possible Suon have employed an ecologist/naturalist from the outset of the project to consult widely with the relevant bodies including Wildlife Trust and The Golden Oriele Society. Suon have submitted a blueprint for redesigning the lake area which would create a far greater range of environment and habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. It is hope that once those works are completed these refuge areas will be managed by the Wildlife Trust. Suon's intention is that the Research Park becomes the most user friendly development in Cambridge. It aim to provide as many facilities as possible to make the park sustainable including a four star hotel with conference and exhibition facilities, a health and leisure club, bars and restaurants. It also hopes, subject to contract, to provide cash points/banking, a cr�che/nursery and possible a newsagents/travel agents. Once developed, the park will have a dedicated on-site management centre to ensure smooth day-to-day running. Provision has been included in the design for cycle paths which would link the park to Milton and Cambridge. The local bus company has agreed to divert the service on the A10 through the Park. The developer will be offering short leasehold or long leasehold interests in buildings developed to occupiers exact requirement's from 1,858 sq metres (20,000 sq ft) upwards. The size of the Research Park means that additional expansion land can be allocated to an occupier for a fixed period to allow for the common Cambridge experience of rapid tenant growth and requiring additional space. Suon also pledge that any company who take space at the Research Park and subsequently require larger accommodation will be released from their initial interest as long as their new building is also on the Research Park. Rumsey & Partners are the retained development consultants on the project and joint letting agents with Gerald Eve and FPDSAVILLS.
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