Outline planning consent has also been granted for wider proposals for the site along the A1301, which includes Iconix Park and the adjacent Sawston Trade Park. The hybrid application underpins the group’s ambitious redevelopment masterplan for its Sawston assets and will deliver a 200,000sq ft destination ‘hub’ to support the fast-growing tech sector as the city responds to burgeoning demand. It is expected the plans will bring significant investment to the area, attracting high growth tech companies to its community.
Phase I of the Unity Campus vision involves the repurposing of the existing ‘Unit H’ into the two-storey, shared occupancy 72,000sq ft space ‘The Works’, which is being designed by global architectural firm NBBJ and is due for practical completion in 2019.
William Jewson, Development Director, said: “Unity Campus is a significant investment for Howard Group and will be our flagship development, highlighting both our capabilities as a developer and our strength as an agile, independent property company.”
The recent acquisition of the adjacent freehold Langford Arch site from Turnstone Estates for £2.5m further demonstrates the group’s intentions for its Sawston masterplan and contiguous ownership approach. The former mill is a 19,000sq ft site with existing tenants including Excell Business Solutions and Woodford Medical.