Bidwells delivers planning consent for transformative one million sq ft Beehive development

Currently operating as a retail park, the Beehive site will be comprehensively redeveloped into a world-class innovation park, adding to Cambridge’s established science and technology cluster. The approved plans include high-quality workspaces for technology and science-led businesses, specialist research laboratories, a substantial new public park, a youth and community hub, a science centre, and around 20 new shops, restaurants and cafés. Major public transport upgrades are also a key part of the development, which is expected to remove more than 10,000 cars from local roads.

The consent marks the culmination of an extensive and complex planning process led by Bidwells on behalf of Railpen, and follows the Secretary of State’s decision to approve the scheme after the application was called in earlier this year.

The development is expected to deliver significant positive social, economic and sustainable impact to the local areas, including:

·       A substantial increase in employment, from 855 full-time equivalent roles on the existing retail park to around 6,500 jobs, including more than 2,000 entry- to mid-level roles supported by a dedicated careers academy

·       An estimated £600 million in additional annual Gross Value Added generated by the new workforce, compared with £55 million currently, bringing total annual GVA supported by the site to approximately £655 million

·       Estimated annual tax revenues of between £180 million and £240 million

·       £11.4 million in business rates per year, representing an increase of £8.5 million on the existing site

Guy Kaddish, Partner, Head of Cambridge Planning at Bidwells, said:

“The Beehive approval allows for the creation of a globally competitive science and technology campus, combining high-specification laboratory and research space with transport investment, public realm and community facilities. It is exactly the type of integrated development required to support the next phase of Cambridge’s innovation-led growth.”