Cambridge Beehive Centre plans recommended for refusal

Cambridge City Council has recommended rejecting a project plan to demolish a shopping center building and convert it into offices, laboratories, and community spaces. The project aims to rebuild the Beehive Centre near Coldham's Lane, but the city council believes the project will impact the amount of sunlight received by nearby residents. The council's recommendation underscores the importance of considering the impact of new developments on the quality of life for local communities.

The owner, Railpen, a pension management company, stated that the project would create a "workplace and innovation cluster" in Cambridge and become a "new destination for the local community." A Railpen spokesperson said the reason for the planning application being recommended for rejection was a "single technical issue." The company remains committed to addressing the concerns raised and working collaboratively with the council.

The spokesperson added: "The city council's planning officers have already acknowledged the significant economic, social, and environmental benefits of the project." The Beehive Centre houses 17 retail stores, including a large Asda supermarket, an Everlast gym, a B&M home store, and a TK Maxx. These stores provide essential services and amenities to the local community, contributing to its vibrancy and convenience.

The Beehive Centre is surrounded by apartments and houses that are part of the Abbey ward, one of the most deprived areas in Cambridge. In a report to be submitted to the planning committee on Wednesday, the city council stated that the development would "significantly and adversely reduce the amount of sunlight to many habitable rooms and gardens in the surrounding properties." This concern highlights the need to balance development with the well-being of existing residents.

Railpen hopes to demolish the existing Beehive Centre building and construct workspace, as well as a local hub containing shops, cafes, restaurants, and leisure facilities. The company stated that the development would create 3,000 jobs for Cambridge residents, including entry-level positions and training opportunities. If the proposal is approved, Railpen said it plans to relocate "important retailers," including the Asda supermarket, to the nearby Cambridge Retail Park, which it also owns. This relocation strategy aims to minimize disruption to local shoppers.

Denise, a resident of the Abbey ward, said she frequently visits the Beehive Centre and is concerned about the impact of the store relocation on local residents. "This will affect people who don't have cars and can walk to the supermarket here," she said, "People will have to drive out of their way to go further afield." Her concerns reflect the importance of accessibility and convenience for residents, especially those with limited transportation options.

Richard Darler, who lives near the Beehive Centre, holds a different view of the plan. "It might be better for residents because it might be quieter at the weekends," he said. However, he believes the new offices and laboratories are "the last thing we need," adding: "We have enough of them in Cambridge – if not, we should be building them on the outskirts." His perspective raises questions about the type of development that best serves the needs of the community.

Green Party city councillor Elliot Tong, who represents the Abbey ward, said the Beehive Centre is "incredibly important" to the community. "A major problem across the city is where do you get the things you actually need to survive," he said. He agreed that the Beehive Centre needs "renovating" but expressed concerns about Railpen's plan. "Abbey needs this investment, I'm really excited about money coming in," he said, "The question is – is the community being taken into account?" Councillor Tong's comments underscore the importance of community engagement and ensuring that development benefits all residents.

The city council's planning committee will meet on Wednesday to make a decision on the plan. The outcome of this meeting will have significant implications for the future of the Beehive Centre and the surrounding community. The decision will need to balance the potential benefits of redevelopment with the concerns of local residents and the need to preserve the character of the area.