The governing body of the University of Cambridge, the Regent House, has given formal approval for the commencement of the first phase of the North West Cambridge development.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Affairs, Professor Jeremy Sanders, welcomed the decision. "The North West Cambridge development is a major part of the University’s long-term future. It will provide much of the residential and research accommodation that the University needs as it grows over the next 20 year," he said.

"Attracting world-class academics, researchers and research partners is vital if the University is to retain its world-class position. Being able to provide high-quality, affordable housing in a thriving community will be an important element of our attraction to staff and students, and phase one of the development focuses on this immediate need.

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"The endorsement of the University's Regent House illustrates the positive commitment that members from across the University and Colleges have towards the continuing success of Cambridge and the wider city region," Professor Sanders added.

In August 2012, the three local authorities involved resolved to grant outline planning permission for a mixed-use development on the 150-hectare site of University-owned farmland in the north west of the city, subject to the signing of a Section 106 legal agreement, planning conditions and reserved matters approvals.

Phase one of the development will include approximately 530 homes for qualifying University and College staff, 450 homes for sale through residential developers, accommodation for 300 students, a local centre with community facilities, and much of the site infrastructure, which will enhance connections to and within the local area. The development also includes substantial landscaping with more than a third of the overall site dedicated to formal and informal green space.

Phase one is estimated to cost £281 million, with the scheme in its entirety costing £1 billion.

(CD)