Media centre

Wednesday 9 Apr 2025

Network Rail Property JV blocwork to deliver new residential quarter at Cambridge North

Region & Route:

Eastern

The Chesterton Partnership, a joint venture led by developer Brookgate, has selected blocwork to bring forward the residential phase of development of over 400 homes at Cambridge North.

Cambridge North is a new destination for Cambridge taking shape around Cambridge North Station, providing an attractive and vibrant gateway to the wider North-east Cambridge Area.

Today’s announcement follows the news that Cambridge North will be one of the first schemes to be brought forward by Network Rail’s newly created property company which is set to launch later this year and will deliver over 40,000 new homes over the coming decade.

Plans are already underway to regenerate the former freight sidings, with a Novotel Hotel and the over 75% let One Cambridge Square office building already successfully delivered.  Masterplan consent was secured last year for the next phase of the mixed-use regeneration scheme on former derelict railway sidings, including outline planning permission for 425 residential units as well as 53,700 sqm of commercial space.

The residential quarter for Cambridge North will be brought forward by blocwork, a joint venture between Network Rail Property and developer bloc.  

The ambition for Cambridge North residential quarter is to create an ultra-low car use neighbourhood. Located just two and a half miles from Cambridge City Centre with excellent public transport and cycling links, the residential quarter will also deliver improvements to cycleways to enhance sustainable connectivity.

At the heart of the development will be a new green space for the local community, combined with a new ‘wild park’, a green biodiverse space for residents and visitors to enjoy. 

Sven Topel, CEO at Brookgate commented: “The residential quarter is a vital part of the vision for creating an open and accessible mixed-use neighbourhood at Cambridge North. Alongside our partners, we look forward to working with Network Rail Property and bloc as they partner to deliver high-quality homes in a sustainable location that supports the continued growth of Cambridge. The vision for the new live / work community at Cambridge North will provide an attractive and vibrant gateway from the station to surrounding areas.”

Robin Dobson, Group Property Director at Network Rail added: “This is a fantastic opportunity to unlock disused railway land and create a new residential quarter adjacent to Cambridge North station.  As the largest owner of brownfield land in Great Britain, we are able to unlock strategically important sites such as this as we continue to play a central role in delivering sustainable housing to drive future growth. We look forward to working with all neighbours and key stakeholders such as The Crown Estate to deliver a new neighbourhood which acts as a catalyst to adjacent sites."