Chesterton Mill throws open doors as a workplace for the community

The city’s latest contemporary workplace community, at Chesterton Mill, is now up and running.

Cambridge-based developer Camel Projects says that the premises are now open to new occupiers.

Located a mile from Cambridge city centre, Chesterton Mill comprises a diverse collection of heritage buildings – including the only windmill in the city – all of which have been respectfully and sustainably re-purposed to create a contemporary workplace community unlike any other in Cambridge.

Formerly owned and run by generations of the French family, Chesterton Mill’s history dates back over 150 years, starting in 1847 when the mill was acquired by William French. Initially used to grind corn into flour, the 19th century smock mill and its associated buildings have been used by a succession of local businesses for trade, manufacture, professional services, and charitable purposes prior to this latest transformation.

Today, Chesterton Mill consists of 25 unique commercial workspaces for creative and innovative people to work and thrive in. The iconic buildings “retain elements of the original frames, beams, flooring, and brickwork, yet now incorporate clean, app-controlled energy, and flexible layouts designed to stimulate creativity and productivity”.

Devised to enable companies to get up and running with minimal effort, the building offers workspaces from the smaller ‘plug and play’ furnished offices with their own front door, to open-plan unfurnished units of between 81 sq ft and 6,083 sq ft. Access to 1Gb hard wired ethernet and secure wifi, power, utilities, car, and cycle parking and 24/7 workspace access comes as standard.

Simon Jones, Camel Projects’ owner, said: “The characteristics of the Cambridge economy in tech and creative-based communities is the foundation for good long-term property investment and development. Chesterton Mill provides modern and stylish workspaces, ideally suited to the city’s talented consultants, burgeoning creative and tech-led businesses, start-ups and freelance communities.

“So, if you are a vintner, picture framer, or work in IT, marketing, medtech, finance, or something completely different, we have just the space for you.”

Within easy walking and cycling distance of the city centre parks, river, shops and restaurants and the Cambridge Science Park and the district, the mix of Covid-safe workspaces, meeting and conference rooms, indoor and outdoor social areas and inspiring collaborative and learning spaces, “together reflect the changing culture and requirements of today’s businesses”.

Current occupants include Gutter & Stars, Byard Art, Studio 24, Transport Planning Associates and Bremner Partnership.

Simon Jones (no relation to Camel’s Simon Jones), managing director and founder of Studio 24, said: “We like it, it’s a bit more of a creative feel, we’re taking it slowly, and doing hybrid working at the moment.

“When we moved in we could change things, so we built in a kitchen, and we’ve got one space where it was two originally, so they’re very accommodating and it’s working well.”

Chris Wilson, founder of Gutter & Stars, said: “As one of the first tenants on site – I set up Gutter & Stars in the windmill basement in August 2020 – it’s been interesting to watch the site develop over the the past nine months. The units are impressive; modern, stylish and sympathetic to the site itself and its former use as a mill.

“It will be great to see new businesses arrive over the coming months and to enjoy the site’s communal areas with fellow businesses.”