Plans to transform Cambridge Airport and surrounding land into a major new development have been announced, promising 10,000 homes and 9,000 jobs. The project, named Cambridge East, will also include a new railway station, commercial space, and potential venues such as a stadium and film studios.
The site was purchased by Homes England and The Hill Group from the Marshall Group, which currently operates Marshall Aerospace at the location. The Marshall Group will relocate its operations by mid-2029, with the first phase of up to 500 homes expected to start the same year.
Andy Hill, founder and chief executive of The Hill Group, described the development as “a unique opportunity to create a thriving, sustainable new neighbourhood.” He added that the developers are “open to all ideas” and want Cambridge East to become “the destination people come to when they visit Cambridge.”
The proposed Cambridge East railway station would connect the new community to central Cambridge, London, Bedford, and Oxford. The development will also deliver about three million square feet of commercial space, aiming to boost local employment and economic growth.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed welcomed the plans, stating they are “exactly the type of new community this country is crying out for.” He emphasised that the new homes would help people get on the housing ladder, supported by good jobs, modern transport links, and green spaces.
