The University of Cambridge has selected Skanska UK as the preferred contractor for the infrastructure work on the first phase of the £1bn North West Cambridge Development.
The £50m infrastructure package will involve the installation of a site-wide sustainable urban drainage system, which will move rainwater through a series of swales towards a lagoon, before the water is treated and pumped back into the homes for non-potable water uses.
It will also include the delivery of all utilities such as gas, water, electricity, data/communications, and co-ordination of the installation of the site-wide district heating network.
“A high-quality urban development will benefit not only the future residents, but also neighbouring communities.”
Skanska will construct primary and secondary roads and pathways, and handle the logistics to enable site works, including traffic management, security, site access and management of the roadways throughout the building works.
Skanska will work alongside the university’s team, with Turner & Townsend serving as project manager and Gardiner & Theobald as cost manager.
North West Cambridge Development construction director Gavin Heaphy said: “The University’s investment in infrastructure reflects the deep commitment to creating a high-quality urban development that will benefit not only the future residents, but also neighbouring communities.”
The first phase of the development, which is expected to cost £281m, will feature 530 homes for university staff, 450 homes for sale, 300 residences for students and a centre with community facilities.
In October 2013, the university appointed Stanton Williams as one of the architects for the first phase, which will cover 63ha and include landscaped green space spanning more than a third of the overall site.
Stanton Williams will work on the architectural designs in Lot 2 of North West Cambridge situated within the local centre of the development, which includes a mixture of university housing alongside shops and amenities.
