A major regeneration milestone has been reached in Cambridge after a strategic land acquisition set the stage for what is expected to become one of the most significant urban extensions in the UK.
A joint move by Homes England and developer The Hill Group has officially secured the Cambridge East site, unlocking plans for more than 10,000 homes, extensive commercial space, and thousands of new jobs.
The deal covers roughly 700 acres of land, including Cambridge City Airport and surrounding areas, and marks the beginning of a long-term redevelopment programme designed to reshape the eastern edge of the city into a modern, mixed-use community.
Airport Relocation and Site Transition Timeline
A key component of the acquisition involves the future of Cambridge City Airport, which currently sits within the development zone.
Under the agreed plans, operations linked to the airport owner, Marshall Group, are expected to be relocated by mid-2029.
This transition is seen as a critical step in unlocking the full development potential of the land, allowing construction and infrastructure works to proceed across the wider Cambridge East area without operational constraints.
New Partnership Model to Drive Large-Scale Development
Delivery of the project will be led through a collaboration between Homes England’s development arm and the Cambridge Growth Company, a body working under the government housing agency framework.
Cambridge Growth Company will work closely with The Hill Group, which has been appointed as the master delivery partner responsible for bringing forward detailed planning and construction.
Both organisations are expected to draw on their experience in managing complex, large-scale regeneration schemes, with a shared focus on accelerating housing delivery while ensuring long-term sustainability and infrastructure readiness.
Thousands of Homes, Jobs and Commercial Space Planned
At full build-out, Cambridge East is expected to deliver more than 10,000 new homes alongside at least 3 million square feet of commercial and employment space.
The development is projected to generate around 9,000 jobs across multiple sectors, ranging from construction and retail to professional and research-driven industries.
Beyond housing and employment, early planning discussions also include the potential creation of a regional training hub.
This facility would be designed to support skills development in construction and related industries, helping local residents access long-term career opportunities linked to the development itself.
Infrastructure, Schools and Green Space at the Core of Plans
The masterplan for Cambridge East places strong emphasis on supporting infrastructure and community services to accompany residential growth.
Proposed elements include new schools, healthcare facilities, and extensive public green spaces designed to support a balanced urban environment.
Transport connectivity is also expected to play a central role in shaping the new district.
A proposed Cambridge East station remains under consideration, with the potential to significantly improve links into central Cambridge and onward connections toward London.
If approved and funded, the station could also strengthen regional rail links across the wider Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor, extending connectivity toward Bedford and Oxford and supporting wider economic integration across the region.
Government and Development Leaders Back Long-Term Vision
UK Housing Secretary Steve Reed described the project as a model for future development, highlighting its combination of housing supply, employment opportunities, and transport connectivity.
He emphasised the importance of delivering fully supported communities rather than isolated housing schemes lacking infrastructure.
From the development side, Homes England chief executive Amy Rees CB pointed to the partnership approach as a key driver of progress, noting that collaboration between public and private sector partners is essential to unlocking complex sites and accelerating delivery of much-needed homes.
She also stressed that the project aligns with a wider mission to support place-based regeneration and long-term community development across high-demand areas.
Hill Group Emphasises Local Roots and Long-Term Commitment
Andy Hill OBE, founder and chief executive of The Hill Group, described Cambridge East as one of the most significant urban extensions in the country.
He highlighted both his personal connection to Cambridge and the company’s long-standing role in regional development.
He added that future masterplanning work will incorporate input from local residents to ensure the new district reflects community needs, particularly around infrastructure, amenities, housing diversity, and employment creation.
Marshall Group Hands Over Long-Term Stewardship
For Marshall Group, the sale marks the conclusion of years of strategic planning around the future of its Cambridge land holdings.
Chair Roger Hardy said the decision followed extensive consideration and was made to ensure the site is developed by partners with the scale and expertise required to deliver a project of this magnitude.
He noted that Marshall, a family-owned business with deep roots in Cambridge since 1909, remains committed to the city’s long-term prosperity and views the transition as a way of securing a sustainable future for the land.
A Generational Opportunity for Cambridge Growth
Peter Freeman CBE, chair of the Cambridge Growth Company, described Cambridge East as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape a historically significant site into a thriving new neighbourhood.
He expressed confidence that the partnership between Homes England and The Hill Group will help drive the project forward, ensuring it delivers long-term value for both the city and future generations as planning and delivery continue in the coming years.
