Cambridge Council Recommends Refusal of Beehive Centre Redevelopment

Plans to demolish the Beehive Centre in Cambridge and replace it with offices, laboratories, and community spaces have been recommended for refusal by Cambridge City Council over concerns about the impact on local residents.

The council’s planning officer cited fears that the redevelopment, located near Coldham’s Lane, would reduce daylight and sunlight for nearby homes, potentially affecting residents’ quality of life.

A Vision for Innovation

The site’s owner, Railpen, a pension fund manager, had proposed transforming the shopping centre into a “workplace and innovation cluster”, aiming to create a new hub for the Cambridge community. The redevelopment was expected to generate 3,000 jobs, including entry-level roles and training opportunities.

A Railpen spokesperson defended the project, stating that the refusal was based on a “single technical matter”, while also noting that the council recognised the project’s economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Impact on Local Retail and Accessibility

The Beehive Centre currently houses 17 retail units, including an Asda supermarket, Everlast gym, B&M Home Store, and TK Maxx. It serves residents of Abbey Ward, one of Cambridge’s most deprived areas, where many people rely on the centre for daily essentials.

Under Railpen’s proposal, existing shops, cafes, and leisure facilities would be replaced by workspaces and a new local centre with retail and dining options. The company suggested that some retailers, including Asda, could be relocated to the nearby Cambridge Retail Park, which it also owns.

However, some local residents voiced concerns about accessibility. Denise, an Abbey Ward resident, noted:
“It will impact the people who don’t have cars and can walk to the supermarkets here. People would have to take the car out to turn around and go further afield.”

Others had mixed opinions. Richard Darler, who lives nearby, said:
“For residents, it’s probably better as it’s going to be quieter at the weekends,” but questioned the need for more office and lab space in Cambridge. “We’ve got enough here—if not, we should build on the outskirts.”

Political and Community Reactions

Green Party councillor Elliot Tong, who represents Abbey Ward, acknowledged that the Beehive Centre needed investment, but questioned whether the plan considered the needs of the local community.

“Abbey needs this sort of investment, and I’m really excited about money being put into it,” he said. “The question is—are the community being taken into account?”

Next Steps

The final decision on the redevelopment will be made by Cambridge City Council’s planning committee on Wednesday.