In a transformative move for the East of England, Cambridge Science Park has unveiled ambitious redevelopment plans that could generate up to 20,000 new jobs and foster vibrant public spaces aimed at families and young people throughout the region. This initiative promises not only to modernize the oldest science park in Europe but also to significantly enhance its economic footprint.
Established in 1970 by Trinity College Cambridge, the park has been a breeding ground for groundbreaking technologies and innovations, including advances in cancer treatment, Bluetooth technology, and mobile chip design. Currently supporting over 7,000 employees, the proposed redevelopment aims to expand built space from 2.8 million to an impressive 8 million square feet, expected to triple the park's economic output to a staggering £3 billion annually.
Dame Sally Davies, Master of Trinity College Cambridge and a key advocate for the project, emphasized the importance of accessibility, stating, "A key aspect is opening up the new Park of Science to the young people and families of Cambridge and the towns and villages around." Besides job creation in fields like construction, science, and human resources, the plans include improved public transport links, cycling routes, and biodiverse landscaping to enhance community integration.
Roland Sinker, chair of innovation and growth at the University of Cambridge, hailed the initiative as a "strong vote of confidence in the UK as a science and technology leader," asserting it will result in thousands of high-quality jobs while contributing billions to the national economy. "It helps ensure that the breakthroughs of the future are developed here in the UK," he affirmed.
The redevelopment application's details have been submitted to the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service, where it will undergo careful consideration by the joint development management committee.
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Source: BBC Science
