The plans by Downing College will see a city centre site next to Parker’s Piece redeveloped into 26 student rooms with restaurant space
CambridgeshireLive readers have heard that demolition has begun on a Cambridge restaurant to make way for new student accommodation and restaurant space. The project, led by Downing College, will redevelop a city centre site next to Parker’s Piece into 26 student rooms with restaurant facilities.
Several buildings at 19-35 Regent Street, including the former Cuba Libre restaurant and bar, are set for partial demolition.
Downing College Developments Ltd submitted the redevelopment plans, which were approved by Cambridge City Council in September 2024. CMP Architects, who designed the project, described the site as containing poorly maintained buildings that had been altered inconsistently over the years.
The plans include a retail unit on the ground floor, intended to provide a restaurant serving both residents and visitors. Above this, the student accommodation will feature 26 en-suite rooms, reports CambridgeshireLive. A council officer said the development would cause a modest reduction in market housing but would provide much-needed student accommodation.
A spokesperson from Demcom Demolition, which is carrying out the work, said all demolition is being done by hand, with bricks retained for reuse. The team is also completing enabling work inside before scaffolding can be erected.
Commenter Josh A thinks: “We don’t need more of these. What we really need are shops, cafes, pharmacies and the like – far more useful than another block of student accommodation. The solution is simple: if there’s no space, don’t build here and leave the existing buildings alone.”
Rob H agrees: “If student accommodation is genuinely in such high demand, why can’t they build it on the college campuses instead? It would make sense to use existing university land rather than taking over other parts of the city, which could be put to more practical and community-friendly uses.”
Stayfocused29 replies: “I’d normally be against this, but honestly, everything that has been put into that building ends up closing, and the empty units make the place look really unattractive. It’s frustrating because it could be such a vibrant spot, though the University’s ridiculously high rents may have contributed to the businesses failing in the first place.”
Weneedqueenmeghan believes: “The antiquated university has long outlived its usefulness and really needs to be closed down once and for all. Its outdated structures and outdated practices are holding back progress, and the city could put the space and resources to far better use.”
Rodney A points out: “Everyone going on about it being student accommodation might want to consider what would happen if all the students were taken out of the rental housing market. But by all means, keep repeating your ‘it’s only for students’ line.”
John W disagrees: “Another part of Cambridge lost forever. More student accommodation? The days when people would rent out a room in their own homes are gone. Oh well, they call it progress, apparently.”
Terry J adds: “The university is completely taking Cambridge for granted for its own selfish gain. How and why have they been allowed to take over our city like this?”
Andrew C says: “It’s remarkable how universities can get planning approval but contribute nothing to the infrastructure they rely on, while adding further strain to already damaged systems.”
Diane B comments: “What a shame. Do we really need even more student accommodation? What about the people who actually work here, not the professors, who can’t afford to live in the city? Our grown-up children, both working in essential services, can’t afford to live in the city they were born in. Then there are complaints about the cars they need to get to work. No, they can’t just cycle or take buses, as the buses don’t start early enough.”
Lisa G replies: “More student accommodation – why is that not surprising! Why not build something to help the city’s homeless or projects that actually benefit the people who live and work here? Of course, that never happens. It’s all about keeping the university happy, as usual.”
Another part of Cambridge is being transformed into student accommodation while market housing is reduced. Do you think the city should prioritise students over local residents and workers? Have your say in our comments section.
