Major ‘masterplan’ for Cambridge Science Park expansion unveiled that could create 20k new jobs

It is said to represent a ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity’

Cambridge Science Park has unveiled major plans that could create up to 20,000 new jobs. The science park has submitted plans to increase its space from 2.8 million sqft to 8 million sqft.

By increasing its space, the Park of Science will be able to open to tenants, schools and families. It is proposed to feature an open air museum, and aim to make STEM activities more accessible and fun.

Jane Hutchins, director of External Relations at the Science Park, said: “Cambridge Science Park’s success has long extended far beyond the city, and this masterplan ensures the communities closest to the park will continue to share in its future growth.

“This masterplan represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to refresh and reimagine the park, delivering greater benefits for local communities in Cambridge and beyond. Our first step is to understand the future needs of the region, so we can maximise our impact.

“The result will be a vibrant science park, remaining open to the public, helping to nurture and inspire the next generation of innovators.

“New infrastructure and buildings will support high-quality local jobs, alongside sustainable growth through improved bus links, cycling routes, flood resilience, and biodiverse landscaping, going well beyond planning requirements.”

If approved, the expansion would create up to 20,000 new jobs, as well as triple the park’s economic output from £1 billion to £3 billion. Rebecca Porter, CEO, Cambridge Science Centre, said: “We are incredibly excited by the opportunities that the continued growth of Cambridge Science Park presents.

“Growth means more than just physical expansion, it represents a unique chance to further support our work at the heart of one of the UK’s innovation powerhouses. Since Trinity College supported our move to the park, we have transformed our scale, reaching over 30,000 people in 2025 alone – from our Cambridge centre to dedicated outreach with nearly 1,400 pupils in Wisbech.

“What makes this location so vital is its proximity to world-leading research, which cannot be replicated elsewhere. We aren’t just interpreting science at a distance; we are translating real-time innovation into accessible experiences for families and schools. This unique ecosystem allows us to act as a living interface between industry and community.”

The science park was founded by Trinity College in 1970. Since then, it has created jobs and opportunities across the city and country.

With the growth plans, the college hopes it can encourage more children and young people to become interested in STEM. Dame Sally Davies, Master of Trinity College, said: “We are immensely proud of the Cambridge Science Park and the remarkable way it has impacted the lives of billions around the globe since its foundation by the college over five decades ago.

“That ambition remains. We know that if the Science Park is to continue to serve the needs of people around the world, it must continue to grow.

“That is why we are submitting a masterplan for the next half century of growth, as a vibrant, collaborative and inspiring place to learn, to work and to enjoy. This plan will see as many as 27,000 people working at Cambridge Science Park, whilst opening up the new Park of Science to the young people and families of Cambridge and the towns and villages around.”