Former cycle shop in Histon could become net zero offices
A former cycle shop in Histon could be refurbished and extended to create a new net zero carbon office development.
A forensic investigation company based in Cambridge has put forward the plans for the former Rutland Cycling shop in the High Street in the hope to relocate there.
The application to “reinvigorate” the site has been made by Hawkins and Associates, currently based in Cambridge Science Park.
The forensic investigation company’s consulting scientists and engineers specialise in investigating the causes of fires and explosions, rail, road and aircraft accidents, as well as other incidents.
In planning documents submitted to South Cambridgeshire District Council, it said that the company’s current lease expires in July 2023, and that it hopes to move to the Histon site.
Under the plans, the existing two-storey 1980s building would be refurbished and reclad, and the single storey workshop at the back of the building, which the plans described as “asbestos-ridden”, would be demolished to make way for a two storey extension.
The plans include 20 car parking spaces, five of which would include electric car charging points.
Application documents say the new design will have a positive impact on how the site looks and a positive economic impact.
The applicants say: “We have listened to the concerns raised by the local neighbours and amended the scheme accordingly.
“This includes the retention of the small retail unit at the front, reducing the massing overall, and redeveloping the street frontage to be a landscaped space for people to enjoy.
“The project is a net zero carbon scheme that will ensure this business is not impacting on the environment or the issue of climate change.
“The biodiversity and ecology of the site will see a net gain overall by the introduction of nesting boxes, new planting, and insertion of new trees throughout the site.
“Given the site is a concreted commercial site with no planting or trees present this automatically makes a positive contribution. The new building will provide an exemplar scheme for the council and village to promote.
“The new premises offer this established business of 40 years a chance to grow and improve the wellbeing of their staff. This move from Cambridge to Histon will automatically improve the economic status of the village and the businesses within the vicinity.”