Property developers Socius and Railpen have submitted planning amendments for their Botanic Place office scheme in Cambridge.

The amendments to the £500 million project are now under consideration by Cambridge City Council. They will seek to reduce overall construction time by 21 months and improve energy efficiency, in addition to promoting cycle use and sustainability.

The proposed Botanic Place will be located next to Cambridge University Botanic Garden on Hills Road. Its existing planning permission includes 500,000 sq. ft of workspace with the design being provided by architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris.

The workspace prioritises energy efficiency to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer whilst using 70% less energy than traditional office buildings and will be powered using renewable energy sources.

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Commenting on the changes, Doug Higgins, Development Director, Socius said: "Through our conversations with the council and community over the past few years, it is clear that sustainability, green space and limiting vehicle congestion are of high importance in Cambridge. We are pleased to have submitted this Section 73 Application which we hope will position Botanic Place as the most sustainable and intelligent workplace in the city.

"We thank people who have taken the time to engage with us on these amendments and we look forward to the council determining our application in the next few months."

Reflecting on the project, Richard Van Lente, Senior Asset and Development Manager, Railpen said: "The plans for Botanic Place have incorporated feedback from the local community and will see over 200 local jobs created, the development of cafes, restaurants, a market hall promoting healthy and sustainable local food and drink, alongside the existing public house which will be renovated. It's an exciting project, within a thriving knowledge-led economy and a supportive local authority who share our commitment to sustainable development."