What site earmarked for development near Cambridge North could look like

Plans to redevelop a derelict site near Cambridge North station to create 'employment space' have been submitted to Cambridge City Council. The Mercers Row site is just over a mile away from Cambridge North and includes a vacant paper recycling facility and storage container.

The planning application includes detailed plans for phase one, which includes the paper recycling facility and storage container, and outline plans for phase two. No redevelopment for phase two will take place until leaseholds have expired.

The proposals aim to create flexible floorspace, with Wrenbridge suggesting potential uses could range from research and development or laboratory facilities, to manufacturing and community uses. The 'employment space' is expected to support around 130 jobs.

READ MORE:'Loud bang' sees police called to Cambridge hair salon break-in

READ MORE:Duke of Edinburgh gets on the decks during visit to Cambridge live music venue

• Read next: Stolen Cambridge streetlamps spark police appeal after unique 'candles' disappear

• Read next: 'Amazing' Cambridge fireworks go off with a bang after 2023 damp squib

The planning application follows a public consultation in July 2024. A Wrenbridge spokesperson said that 87 per cent of respondents to the consultation supported the scheme.

A spokesperson for Wrenbridge said: "The submission of our planning application marks a key milestone in the long-term regeneration of Mercers Row. We would like to thank all those that took part in our public consultation and provided feedback, which has informed our final plans.

"We are seeking to create a development which will deliver modern, sustainable employment space to support the local economy and create an uplift in jobs of all skill levels. We are also committed to ensuring our proposals benefit the immediate area and are proposing new public open space on site to be used by local employees and residents.

"We will continue to engage with residents and stakeholders during the planning process to keep them fully informed."

You can view the full planning application on the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning website here.