Ridgelift, acting as Development Manager for Railpen, has successfully secured planning consent for the landmark Beehive Cambridge city centre redevelopment following a Secretary of State call-in.
The approval unlocks approximately 1.2 million sq ft of new mixed-use development, centred on a world-class life science and innovation cluster, integrated with enhanced retail, community uses, and significant public realm improvements.
Key Components of the Consented Beehive Scheme
With consent now granted, the Beehive will deliver:
- A new life science innovation hub, providing state-of-the-art laboratory and R&D accommodation
- Flexible and scalable science buildings, supporting occupiers from early-stage start-ups through to global organisations
- A modernised retail and leisure offer, complementing the ongoing evolution of Cambridge Retail Park
- Extensive new public realm, including landscaped routes, civic plazas, and green spaces
- Community, educational, and wellbeing facilities
- A robust sustainability strategy, aligned with Railpen’s long-term stewardship ambitions
Secretary of State’s Support
In granting consent, the Secretary of State recognised the strength of the scheme, citing:
- Major economic and employment benefits (circa 6,500 jobs)
- Strong support for life science and innovation space
- Efficient reuse of a brownfield site
- Improved urban design, placemaking, and sustainable transport
- Creation of a new local centre serving the surrounding community
Ridgelift now looks forward to working closely with Railpen and the wider project team to progress the reserved matters applications and bring forward delivery of this transformational regeneration project.