A proposed multi-million-pound redevelopment of Cambridge Science Park has hit a significant roadblock, with Anglian Water objecting due to wastewater capacity constraints.
Developer Brockton Everlast plans to demolish six ageing units and revamp another to construct four cutting-edge, net-zero carbon buildings for life science, innovation, and technology. However, Anglian Water warns that the Cambridge Water Recycling Centre lacks the capacity to handle the additional waste flows from the project.
In its objection, Anglian Water states: “The foul drainage from this development is in the catchment of Cambridge Water Recycling Centre, which currently does not have capacity to treat the flows from the development site.” It adds that an upgrade to the facility would be necessary, with the developer responsible for the full cost of improvements.
The water company has applied for an interim permit from the Environment Agency to address existing exceedances but maintains that no new connections can be made to the foul network due to pollution risks. It also highlights long-term plans to relocate the sewage works to Honey Hill, a proposal currently awaiting government approval, with a decision now delayed until April.
Brockton Everlast, however, remains committed to its vision. Co-partner Richard Selby insists the redevelopment aligns with the government’s push to make Cambridge a global innovation hub. “The Fenway, 210-240 Cambridge Science Park, will directly address the strong demand from both start-ups and large companies for state-of-the-art, highly adaptable laboratories,” he said. The project promises best-in-class laboratory and office spaces set within 6.5 acres of landscaped open space.
Despite its ambitious sustainability goals, the project has also drawn criticism from conservation charity Cambridge Past, Present and Future. The group argues that the proposed structures resemble “giant inelegant boxes” and lack architectural variety.
This objection from Anglian Water echoes similar concerns raised over new housing developments in South Cambridgeshire, where wastewater constraints threaten further expansion. With the future of the Science Park redevelopment now uncertain, all eyes are on the government’s upcoming decision on the region’s wastewater infrastructure.
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