CBC Design and Access Statement - Papworth Hospital

The Expansion of Cambridge Biomedical CampusDesign and Access Statement3 CONTEXT OF THE DEVELOPMENTProposed Development3.1 This proposal seeks to create a distinctive and successful newquarter to Cambridge whilst enhancing the edge of the City. Ithas developed through the integrated approach of respondingboth to the character and setting of the site, the predicted needsof the end users and through extensive consultation.3.2 The proposals for the expansion aim to bring forward thedevelopment in a way which ensures attractive, usable andadaptable places and spaces with sustainable principles as akey guiding element. The new development and individualbuildings should function in a truly sustainable way - not just inthe short term but over the lifetime of the development. It is alsoessential that the new buildings meet the requirements of theanticipated end users.3.3 The proposals include up to 10 hectares for future clinicalexpansion to meet the projected needs of the population itserves as well as a new campus hub, improving currentfacilities and ensuring the proposals stitch into the existinginfrastructure. The future end users are unidentified and theirprecise requirements as yet unknown. It is vital to have aflexible approach to developing this site - especially for the laterphases of development.3.4 The OPA seeks outline permission for:'Up to 215,000 sq m floor space comprising 60,000 sq m clinicalresearch and treatment (D1), 129,000 sq m biomedical andbiotech research and development (B1(b)) and 25,000 sq m ofeither clinical research and treatment (D1) or higher educationor sue generis medical research institute uses, and includingrelated support activities within use classes A1, A3, B1 or suigenerisuses with no individual premises exceeding 500 sq m; aprimary sub-station; new areas of public realm; landscaping;parking areas; highway works; drainage works and all otherassociated infrastructure.3.5 This major proposal with a predicted build out over the next tenyears seeks flexibility within a series of Parameter Plans andStatements which set over arching principles and which areexplained below. The development principles whilst allowingfor a degree of flexibility, are steered by the supportingillustrative material, so that as the proposal develops further thedetailed design of both buildings and spaces will be appropriateto the context of the new and distinctive character of the area.Physical Context3.6 The site lies to the south of Cambridge in an area known as theSouthern Fringe. The area is currently farmed and inlandscape terms is unexceptional, lying between chalk hillswhich rise to the south and the City edge. The area is generallydominated by the hospital buildings although there areimportant views from the site out to the chalk hills and fromvantage points on the chalk hills back towards Cambridge. Theapplication proposes to wrap development around the existingCBC to the south and west, with new high quality buildingswithin a strategic landscape framework. The overall effect willbe the safeguarding of the environmental character andimproving the edge and setting of the City.5Social Context3.7 The 2020 Vision promotes the achievement of many policyobjectives for equitable development. Expansion of the CBC issupportive of these objectives. Healthcare facilities are part ofsocial infrastructure and their provision is necessary forsustainable development. The Vision also recognises that"current capacity shortfalls in the local NHS are part of a widerinfrastructure deficit in the Cambridge sub-region."3.8 As well as boosting the social infrastructure for the sub-regionin terms of health care provision, Addenbrooke's has beenwidely acclaimed as a leading light in encouraging sustainablepatterns of travel. The Trust's award winning Travel Plan"Access to Addenbrooke's" is testament to the importance theTrust places on encouraging alternative and sustainable modesof travel. Through management of car parking supply, provisionof cycling/walking routes, and promoting bus travel (with oversixty buses an hour at peak times) the Trust will continue topromote sustainable patterns of travel to the expanded campus.3.9 The provision of such social infrastructure in a highly accessiblelocation fully embraces the government's ambition for socialinclusion. Further supporting information is included in theEnvironmental Statement (ES) Volume 1a and the PlanningStatement.