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Exhibitions showcasing the future of Cambridge Science Park for the next 30 years – including the creation of a new public park – are to be held ahead of an initial planning application being submitted early in 2026.
Founded by Trinity College in 1970, and now the workplace of more than 7,000 people, Europe’s first science park is earmarked for major redevelopment so that it can be a leading “global centre of discovery for generations to come”.
Jane Hutchins, director of Cambridge Science Park. Picture: Keith Heppell
A masterplan that will shape its growth is being drawn up and input is sought from the community, with exhibitions due on Thursday, 18 September, from 4-8pm, and Saturday, 20 September, from 10am–2pm, in the Waterside Suite, The Trinity Centre on the Science Park.
On the new ‘Future of Cambridge Science Park’ website, the organisers say: “We are developing a new masterplan to shape the future of Cambridge Science Park, including creating additional space to support future growth, alongside a bold new ‘Park of Science’ with interactive scientific art and outdoor learning spaces.
“This is a community-focused project, and we want to hear from you to ensure the masterplan truly aligns with your priorities.”
Since its funding, based on the vision of Trinity College’s former bursar, Sir John Bradfield, the Science Park has become renowned for discoveries and innovations, from life-saving treatments to technology that powers our smartphones and, most recently, sustainable materials made from pea protein (see Business, page 45).
The project team for the future of Cambridge Science Park says: “It is now time to develop that legacy. Our emerging proposals for Cambridge Science Park will strengthen Cambridge’s position at the forefront of global innovation. They will attract businesses, create jobs, provide new spaces and facilities and generate a whole host of exciting opportunities for the people of Cambridge.
An indicative illustration of the ‘Park of Science’ under the Cambridge Science Park vision. Picture: Cambridge Science Park project team
“This can be a better-connected, greener and more vibrant neighbourhood, firmly rooted in North East Cambridge and closely connected with surrounding communities. It will grow around cycle paths, walkways and rail links that are already in place. It will become home to a thriving community of innovators while inspiring the next generation to play, explore, and dream.”
The site “needs a refresh for the benefit of its tenants, visitors and neighbours”, the Science Park project team acknowledges, and the time is right with the “Government’s focus on enhancing the Oxford–Cambridge growth corridor”.
While its growth today has been organic, the aim now is create a long-term plan for the whole site.
“The vision is to create a place that is more than the sum of its buildings, green spaces and car parks. Trinity wants to turn a great place into an outstanding one – an open, connected ‘Park of Science’ that inspires and welcomes all,” the website says.
“The Park will feature a network of interlinked green spaces, growing from a central green corridor, with key meeting points where people, ideas, and nature converge. It will benefit biodiversity, water management, and the movement of people across the site.
“We want to open the Park to everyone. It will be a place where families want to spend time at weekends, where schools bring pupils to learn and explore, where students can find space to connect, study, and be inspired, and where innovators ask their companies to relocate.”
The forthcoming planning application is due to outline a 30-year vision for the park, but Trinity intends investment over five decades in three phases.
The first involves refreshing what is there, with a short-term focus on upgrading its existing entrances, cycle paths, signs and shared spaces.
The second phase, ‘Creating’, will involve developing the ‘Park of Science’ through the site – a public park for the public and tenants alike, enhancing the mature, green landscape that is in place and supporting ecology.
The third phase, ‘Building’, will involve “significant and beautiful new net-zero workspaces for innovators within a long-term, sustainable and welcoming environment”.
A strict design code to make the environment greener, more attractive, and better connected is envisaged as outdated buildings are replaced and new ones created to meet the demand.
Jane Hutchins, director of Cambridge Science Park, by the lake at The Bradfield Centre. Picture: Keith Heppell
“There will be a new amenity space currently lacking in the local area,” the project team adds. “Car parks will give way to landscaped areas, improved safety, and a more collegiate atmosphere. Even at full build-out, 65 per cent of the Park will remain undeveloped — well above other comparable local sites.
“This will be a green place in every sense: a place of science, nature, and opportunity.”
The Science Park, Trinity College and their representatives say they will work in partnership with the community to shape the vision.
“We are speaking with tenants, neighbours, schools, colleges, and community groups. We need your help to make sure that our vision best meets the needs of the tenants, science community, and our neighbours,” they say.
Those unable to attend the exhibitions will find the consultation materials on the website – futurecambridgesciencepark.co.uk – from 18 September.
Feedback on the draft masterplan will be invited until Friday, 10 October.
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