The secretary of state has approved Railpen’s plans to build a new 1m sq ft laboratory and innovation park development in Cambridge.
The approval for the Beehive scheme was granted by Steve Reed OBE following his predecessor’s decision to call-in the application earlier this year.
Railpen’s plans will see an existing retail park transformed into a world-class innovation park providing workspaces for technology businesses, laboratories for research, a substantial new community park, a youth and community hub, a science centre and around 20 new shops, restaurants and cafés.
The consent will also facilitate Railpen’s plans to upgrade the neighbouring Cambridge Retail Park, where an improvements programme has been developed that will bring significant benefits to retailers and the local community, including the relocation of key retailers.
Andy Bord, chief executive officer of Railpen, said: “We welcome the secretary of state’s decision, which recognises the merit and appropriateness of our Beehive proposals, to create a world-class innovation park. This result is an important milestone for the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor and reflects continued international confidence in the UK’s business environment.
“We remain dedicated to advancing this vision through the development of our innovation cluster in Cambridge and, with this decision, we look forward to continued constructive engagement with our partners in the city, including the council and community organisations. We are committed to ensuring that our scheme makes a meaningful and lasting contribution to Cambridge’s economic and social progress, while supporting the nation’s broader growth objectives.”
Bidwells advised on the planning application.
