Construction is now underway at Mill Yard, a landmark sustainable neighbourhood on Mill Road in central Cambridge. The £180 million project—formerly known as Devonshire Gardens—is being delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction, alongside developer Socius and investment partner Railpen.
The site, located near Cambridge railway station, is undergoing a complete transformation from brownfield to vibrant, mixed-use campus. Once complete, it will include 70 build-to-rent flats, 110,000 sq ft of prime office space, retail units, a crèche, a community pavilion, and a generous 1.55-acre public park. Seven buildings will be arranged around the park, creating a new green hub for residents, workers, and visitors.
Designed with sustainability at its heart, the project features rooftop solar panels, secure cycle storage, and zero on-site fossil fuel use. It aims to divert 99% of construction waste from landfill and cut embodied carbon by over 5,000 tonnes.
The site will deliver an estimated 280% biodiversity net gain, with green roofs, hedgehog habitats, bat and bird boxes, and pollinator-friendly gardens. The new neighbourhood will also be largely car-free, with priority given to pedestrians, cyclists, and accessible transport.
Beyond the environmental impact, the project promises more than £60 million in social value for Cambridge. This includes training and employing 12 local homeless individuals, providing apprenticeships and work experience, and donating over 500 volunteer hours. More than £30 million will be invested in the local supply chain, helping to boost businesses across the city.
Jamie Shearman of Morgan Sindall said the project would help Cambridge “fulfil its true potential,” while Railpen and Socius confirmed it marks just the beginning of a broader commitment to sustainable growth in the city.
As Mill Yard takes shape, it sets a bold standard for urban regeneration—combining green living, economic opportunity, and community wellbeing in the heart of Cambridge.
