Cambridge laboratories could replace 1980s office blocks

Westbrook Centre was "tired" and not suitable for conversion into laboratories, councillors were told

Plans for a new science and research park in Cambridge could be submitted as soon as next month, a developer has said.

Reef Group wants to demolish the Westbrook Centre, off Milton Road, and put up three life science buildings.

It told city councillors at a pre-application meeting that the 1980s office blocks were "tired".

"We want to create a life sciences facility that Cambridge can be proud of", design director Sam Potter said.

The laboratories and offices could create the equivalent of 1,075 full-time jobs, with a park surrounding the buildings, according to the plans.

A cafe at its entrance would be open to the public and a new playground would be installed at the back of the development, near Lilywhite Drive, councillors were told.

"We are very much focused on the community and making sure the scheme is led by their aspirations," added Mr Potter.

"We want to make something that will provide benefits to nearby residents as well as to the wider city."

The office basements would be kept to reduce the carbon impact of the redevelopment but the buildings would not be converted due to their shape and low ceilings.Reef said it planned to reduce the car parking spaces on site from 287 to 192, and create 852 cycle parking spaces, for use by 75% of staff.