Redevelopment plans for Melbourn Science Park are revealed
Plans have come forward for the redevelopment of Melbourn Science Park, featuring new office and research space, a hotel and gastro pub.
Specialist property developer Bruntwood SciTech has requested an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening opinion from South Cambridgeshire District Council for development on the northern edge of Melbourn.
The 16.4-acre site currently has a number of single and two-storey office and research buildings, ancillary structures, access roads and car parking areas.
The proposal involves the demolition of 13,629 sq m of existing buildings and the removal of the existing surface car parking to create 41,406 sqm of new office and research space, along with a multi-storey car park.
The site’s Ash House will be repurposed for the car park and energy centre, with other buildings extended and altered to provide 1,275 sq m of floor space at the DaVinci building and Moat House. Moat House will be used as a gastro pub, with a new wing for hotel accommodation.
The car park is also described as a ‘transport hub’ in the plans, with reference made to bike rental opportunities and a bike workshop.
The net additional floorspace will amount to 54,484 sq m. The developer has also committed to the enhancement and additions to open areas for landscaping.
A statement accompanying the request said: “The design of the scheme will ensure noise and light spillage are limited so as to protect the residential amenity of the nearest noise sensitive receptors.
“The design and layout of the development takes account of the settings of the adjoining conservation area and listed buildings. Impacts during the construction phase will be limited, temporary and subject to proper management control.”
Bruntwood SciTech took a long lease on the Melbourn premises from TTP for £46.2m in March last year.
The deal involved working with innovation specialist TTP and the local planning authority on a masterplan for the site.