One of the key roles of the Estates Division is the development of the University’s estate. The teams manage all aspects of new developments from initial concept and planning applications through to project managing the delivery and construction phases.
The University has over 370 buildings that form its operational estate, which are used for teaching, research and their support or administrative functions.
The University’s non-operational property portfolio includes residential buildings, as well as offices and other commercial properties and leisure and retail properties, sports facilities, infrastructure, including roads and car parks and forestry and agricultural land.
Reshaping our Estate aims to create a smaller but improved University of Cambridge estate that is more efficient, more effective, more environmentally sustainable and fit-for-purpose. to and better support the University’s academic mission, reduce long term annual costs and support the drive for zero carbon emissions.
Property Group
Property Group is responsible for investment and development of the University’s estate supporting the University’s academic mission whilst maximising financial returns. Its work ensures that the development and management of the estate aligns with the University’s academic mission and financial objectives.
A key focus is enhancing the value of the University’s non-operational estate (commercial portfolio), delivering strong financial returns and supporting the Cambridge ecosystem through strategic development and stewardship. The team leads major development projects, including the University’s strategic housing development at North West Development (Eddington) and the establishment of a world-class innovation district at Cambridge West.
The group also oversees portfolio valuations, compliance, and property records and data management.
The University’s management of its property portfolio is overseen by the Property Board.
Planning
The Planning team provides an in-house town planning service for the University (excluding Colleges) on both operational and non-operational development. This includes the provision on planning advice at feasibility and design development stages, the preparation and submission of planning applications and engagement with the local planning authorities to secure planning policies and proposals that support the development of our estate. The team also collaborates with partners to promote strategic development opportunities. It also engages with transport authorities to shape transport strategies, and with transport service and infrastructure providers on transport projects.
| Current planning documents |
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| Temporary building on the Forvie site |
| Key Cambridge West planning documents |
Programme Delivery
All building projects, whether new-build or refurbishment schemes, are undertaken on behalf of the University by the Programme Delivery team.
This team is tasked with overseeing a wide range of development projects, including those related to academic and research facilities, as well as operational buildings that support the University's day-to-day functions. The scope of their work extends beyond educational spaces to encompass a variety of commercial properties, residential housing and essential infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and other key facilities that support the University's overall growth and development.
These projects are often large-scale and multi-faceted, requiring careful co-ordination to ensure they meet the needs of the University community while adhering to a wide array of regulations, safety standards, and budgetary constraints.
All our construction projects are expected to contribute towards the delivery of our carbon reduction target. Projects are expected to identify opportunities to achieve exemplary levels of energy efficiency, heat decarbonisation and renewable energy generation.
