Cambridge park and ride site could be built on if plans approved

Phase one would be built next to the park and ride, but phase two could replace the site altogether

A park and ride site on the outskirts of Cambridge could be built on, new plans have revealed. The Milton park and ride on the northern fringe of Cambridge is currently a popular option for people travelling into the city, but could be replaced in years to come.

Turnstone Estates has proposed plans for a major mixed employment scheme at Milton Park – next to where the park and ride currently sits. They have also outlined a potential option to expand onto the park and ride land after raising the possibility it could close if a new busway results in it not being used anymore.

The developer has entered into an agreement with the Ely Diocesan Board of Finance (EDBF) to bring forward the planning proposals. The developer will act as EDBF’s land promotion partner, seeking planning permission for a first phase of around 350,000 sqft of employment floorspace.

The £200 million ‘Cambridge fringe’ scheme aims to address a shortage of suitable space for businesses in sectors including advanced manufacturing, mid-tech, trade counters and final-mile distribution, according to Turnstone. Located on the western side of the A10, within half a mile of Junction 33 of the A14, Milton Park is well connected to Cambridge and the wider region.

The site benefits from the existing 800-space Milton Park & Ride, with buses running every 10 minutes into Cambridge city centre. However, a potential second phase, which could provide a further 296,000 sqft of employment floorspace, could be built on the existing park and ride facility.

There are plans to introduce a Waterbeach to Cambridge busway in 2031, which would have a stop on Butt Lane, the same road as the park and ride. Turnstone say that they would only build on the park and ride site if it was “eventually considered surplus” following the opening of the new busway.

Milton Park could also provide new premises for established Cambridge businesses currently occupying sites identified for residential redevelopment, including those in the trade counter and motor trade sectors.

Tim Deacon, Director, Turnstone Estates, said: “Cambridge has a shortage of suitable space for a range of businesses that are important to the local economy, while some established occupiers are also facing pressure to relocate as existing employment sites are identified for housing.

“Milton Park offers an opportunity to address both challenges, providing modern, well-connected employment space while helping to release other sites for much-needed homes.” Mr Deacon added that the site also has the potential, subject to planning, to be delivered “relatively quickly”.

The Diocese of Ely added: “The Diocese owns a parcel of land in this area and has long been keen for it to be used for the benefit of the people of Cambridge. Many years ago, the County Council took part of the site on lease and built the Park & Ride on it. More recently, the Police & Crime Commissioner asked to buy a further part of the site for the new police station, which is due to open shortly.

“And currently, an operator is building an electric vehicle charging station on another part of the site, which will be well-placed to charge EVs using the A10 and the Park & Ride. The agreement with Turnstone Estates is a natural follow-on from this activity and will, we hope, create high-quality commercial space and jobs for the benefit of the people of Cambridge.”