Plans to redevelop Cambridge shopping centre face rejection over daylight concerns

Plans to demolish the Beehive Centre in Cambridge and replace it with offices, labs, and community spaces have been recommended for refusal by Cambridge City Council.

The council’s planning officer cited concerns that the proposed redevelopment near Coldham’s Lane would significantly reduce daylight and sunlight for neighbouring residents, potentially impacting their quality of life.

Railpen, the pension fund manager that owns the site, had envisioned the project as a “workplace and innovation cluster” that would create a new hub for the local community. It estimated that the redevelopment would generate 3,000 jobs, including entry-level positions and training opportunities.

A Railpen spokesperson emphasised that the refusal was based on a “single technical matter,” adding: “The council’s planning officer has acknowledged the significant economic, social, and environmental benefits of the project.”

The Beehive Centre is currently home to 17 retail units, including a large Asda supermarket, Everlast gym, B&M Home Store, and TK Maxx. The surrounding Abbey Ward is one of Cambridge’s most deprived areas, and many residents rely on the shopping centre for everyday essentials.

Under Railpen’s plans, existing shops, cafes, and leisure facilities would be replaced by workspaces and a local centre with new retail and dining options. The company has suggested relocating some “valued retailers,” including Asda, to the nearby Cambridge Retail Park, which it also owns.

However, local residents have raised concerns about the impact on accessibility. Denise, an Abbey Ward resident, said: “It will impact the people who don’t have cars and can walk to the supermarkets here. People would have to take the car out to turn around and go further afield.”

Other locals expressed mixed views. Richard Darler, who lives nearby, said: “For residents, it’s probably better as it’s going to be quieter at the weekends,” but questioned the need for more office and lab space. “We’ve got enough here in Cambridge – if not, we should build on the outskirts,” he added.

Green Party councillor Elliot Tong, who represents Abbey Ward, acknowledged that the Beehive Centre needed improvement but raised concerns about the development’s impact on the community. “Abbey needs this sort of investment, and I’m really excited about money being put into it,” he said. “The question is – are the community being taken into account?”

Cambridge City Council’s planning committee is set to make a final decision on the proposal on Wednesday.