Hill Group and Homes England Complete Acquisition of Cambridge East Site for 10,000-Home Development

Hill Group and Homes England have completed the acquisition of the former Marshall Airport site in Cambridge, paving the way for the delivery of one of the UK’s largest urban extension and regeneration projects.

The 700-acre Cambridge East development will ultimately deliver more than 10,000 homes, approximately 3 million sq ft of commercial space and support around 9,000 jobs, creating a major new district within the Oxford-Cambridge

Growth Corridor.

Construction of the first phase, comprising up to 500 homes, is expected to commence from 2029.

Project Overview

The acquisition sees Homes England, supported by its National Housing Bank, partnering with Hill Group to bring forward the large-scale regeneration scheme.

The site is currently occupied by Marshall Group operations, which are scheduled to relocate by mid-2029, allowing development works to commence.

The wider masterplan is expected to include:

• More than 10,000 new homes

• Up to 3 million sq ft of commercial development

• New schools and education facilities

• Healthcare infrastructure

• Public open space and green infrastructure

• Transport and connectivity improvements

• Potential construction skills and training hub

• Employment and business space

The development will form a major new community on the eastern side of Cambridge and is expected to play a key role in supporting future housing and economic growth across the region.

Delivery Team

Development Partners:

• Hill Group

• Homes England

Delivery Vehicle:

• Cambridge Growth Company

Current Landowner:

• Marshall Group

Location:

Cambridge East

Cambridgeshire

Strategic Context

Cambridge East is being positioned as one of the most significant regeneration and placemaking opportunities within the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor.

The scheme has been allocated for development within the local planning framework for several years and is expected to become a key contributor to future housing supply in the region.

The project is also expected to benefit from the proposed Cambridge East railway station, which could strengthen connectivity to Cambridge city centre, London, Bedford and Oxford.

A programme of public consultation and masterplanning will now commence ahead of future planning applications and infrastructure delivery.

ConstructNet Opportunity Analysis

With the land acquisition now complete and construction of the first 500 homes anticipated from 2029, the project provides early visibility of a substantial long-term pipeline of opportunities.

Potential future opportunities may include:

* Demolition and enabling works

* Remediation and site preparation

* Groundworks and infrastructure

* Highways and utilities

* Residential construction packages

* Structural frame packages

* Roofing and façades

* Mechanical and electrical installations

* Landscaping and public realm works

* Education and healthcare facilities

* Commercial development packages

* Plant hire

* Building materials supply

* Waste management and recycling services

The scale of the development means opportunities are likely to emerge across multiple phases over the next decade, making it a key project for contractors, subcontractors and suppliers to monitor.

Key Dates

Site Acquisition: Completed

Marshall Group Relocation: Mid-2029

First Homes Construction Start: 2029

Development Scale:

• 10,000+ Homes

• 3 Million sq ft Commercial Space

• 9,000 Jobs

Location: Cambridge East, Cambridgeshire

ConstructNet Disclaimer

This ConstructNet Intelligence Feed has been produced using publicly available procurement, planning, project and industry information together with ConstructNet analysis and commentary. Project details, timescales, procurement routes, supply chain opportunities and market observations are provided for business development, research and informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional, commercial, legal or procurement advice. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, readers should independently verify all information and carry out their own due diligence before making business, procurement or investment decisions. ConstructNet accepts no liability for any actions taken or decisions made based on information contained within this publication.