Waitrose set to anchor new 1200-home scheme

A supermarket retailer has signed up to anchor the new local centre at a 1200-home community taking shape on the former Cambridge Airport site.

Waitrose is set to open a convenience store at Springstead Village in Cherry Hinton, on the eastern fringe of Cambridge, in late 2028.

The 138-acre development is being delivered through a joint venture between national housebuilder Bellway and Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group.

Waitrose will form the centrepiece of a new local centre, which will also feature two smaller retail units, a community hub and café.

Facilities will be arranged around a tree-lined Market Square designed to provide a focal point for the growing neighbourhood.

Jamie Smith, project delivery director for the Bellway Latimer joint venture, said: “It is testament to the unique future-focused vision offered at Springstead Village that Waitrose wants to be part of this sustainable new neighbourhood in Cambridge.

“The location of the new store at the heart of the development will make it easy for residents to do their shopping on foot or by bicycle, promoting greener ways of getting about and helping to make this a place where pedestrians and cyclists are prioritised.”

Construction of the local centre buildings has now started, with completion scheduled for 2028.

Work is also underway on the third residential phase of Springstead Village, within which the Market Square will sit.

Designed to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standards, the community and retail facilities have been shaped following engagement with local residents through discussions, projects and workshops.

Plans for the square include trees, planters and seating, alongside a cycle route and dedicated cycle parking.

A neighbouring Village Green will provide further community space, including a children’s play area and recreational facilities.

Jamie added: “We are proud of the collaborative approach we have taken to the design process at Springstead Village which has helped shape the local centre here.

“Work is progressing well across the development, with parkland, cycleways, a community centre and nature-inspired public art already in place, and around 200 private and affordable homes now occupied.

“The opening of the local centre at Springstead Village will be a significant moment for residents here, providing an important focal point which will further help bring the new community together.”

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