The development is set to complete in early 2027, and is being delivered by Railpen in association with development manager, Socius.
Located in the heart of the city on the vibrant Mill Road, Mill Yard will be a unique mixed-use neighbourhood, the first of its kind in central Cambridge. Originally conceived by Buckley Gray Yeoman and delivered by RH Partnership Architects, the design incorporates 110,000 sq ft (NIA) of outstanding workplaces of the highest quality across three inter-connected buildings, creating an environment in which companies and their employees can thrive.
The largest of the three buildings provides 64,500 sq ft of space across five floors, while its sister building both span four levels, offering 25,000 sq ft and 20,000 sq ft. Each building has been designed to offer maximum flexibility in configuration, with floorplates ranging from 2,850 sq ft to 15,000 sq ft, and could suit single occupation or be home to several businesses. This provides greater choice for occupiers, along with the scope to upsize with growth. Four terraces totalling 4,700 sq ft feature across the buildings, providing additional amenity for occupiers and stunning views of the Cambridge skyline.
Mill Yard will set new benchmarks in Cambridge with its operational and environmental standards, with Railpen targeting BREEAM Outstanding, WiredScore ‘Platinum’ and NABERS Design for Performance 5* for energy efficiency.
Emma Goodford, Head of Life Sciences and Innovation Leasing at Railpen, said: “Bidwells, Cushman & Wakefield and Knight Frank bring a wealth of experience and expertise that will help us secure the brightest and best from across the innovation and technology sectors. The team also shares our excitement at the quality and innovation that Mill Yard is bringing to the market as the first mixed-use campus in the city centre, complemented by excellent transportation connections, with Cambridge station a short walk away.”
Doug Higgins, Development Director at Socius, added: “Railpen’s Mill Yard is a pioneering development for Cambridge, creating unique spaces for occupiers in a world-class development. The market-defining office space will provide an enhanced experience for businesses that helps attract and retain the best talent, while also creating a new community that will add to the vibrancy and character of this prime location.”
Mill Yard is designed around stunning landscaped greenery, at the centre of which is a pavilion created by George King Architects. The park brings nature back to the city, creating a space where residents, staff, visitors and neighbours can relax, be inspired and collaborate.
A complementary cluster of retail, food and beverage spaces will be set around the park, along with a 2,100 sq ft creche, gym, and 70 build-to-rent apartments opposite the office buildings. The creation of the apartments will also turn Devonshire Road, which runs adjacent to Mill Yard, into a dual-sided residential street for the first time, adding to the sense of community the development is creating. A set of historic Railway Cottages will be sensitively restored and repurposed for residential use, adding further diversity to the development.
Mill Yard was the first of Railpen’s 11 assets in its 1.9m sq ft Cambridge innovation cluster to start on site, and has recently been joined by Botanic Place, its landmark 333,000 sq ft (NIA) office headquarters in Cambridge’s commercial area, which is the largest speculative commercial development to start construction this year in the South East.
@railpen
/railpen