A public consultation on proposals for investment in Foxton’s Burlington Press which would see the facility restored and revamped has been launched.
Developer Mission Street bought the site in 2021 and is looking to bring high-quality research and development jobs to Foxton as part of a comprehensive upgrade to the site.
The plans include retaining and refurbishing the period Burlington Press buildings and replacing the industrial extensions that were built in the 1970s with modern, sustainable and smartly designed office and R&D/lab space.
The proposals would rejuvenate the site and would provide a new community café and enhance the setting of Foxton’s war memorial.
The public consultation started on June 14 and runs until Tuesday 28 June 2022.
It includes two drop-in events on June 16 and 18 June 18 together with a project website where people can find out more and submit feedback.
Based on the results of the consultation alongside relevant surveys and assessments, Mission Street intends to submit a planning application to South Cambridgeshire District Council this summer.
Colin Brown, development director at Mission Street, said: “The goal of our proposals is to define a new future for the Burlington Press so that it can contribute positively to the local area.
“We’re aiming to breathe fresh life into the characterful Burlington Press buildings and, recognising the important balance between innovation and heritage, the plans will replace the unattractive 1980s buildings to the rear with contemporary, high quality and sustainable modern workspace.
“We’re putting our proposals on display to share our thinking and to invite views from the community. We’d encourage anyone interested to come along to our drop-in events, go on our website, and provide their feedback to this consultation.”
The Burlington Press is allocated as an employment site within Foxton’s Neighbourhood Plan. It is the only allocated employment site in the Plan making it the best place for investing in new jobs and workspace in the village.
The strong demand for new innovation and R&D space in and around Cambridge is one of the main reasons behind the proposals.
Recognising the importance of both high-quality and also highly-sustainable buildings, the proposals will modernise the press buildings with sympathetic upgrades to improve energy efficiency and provide a brand new workspace in a two-storey development which includes a green roof.
The redevelopment will bring forward a site that is fit for a sustainable future and achieve a BREEAM “Excellent” rating.
More about the proposals can be found here.
If the plans are approved, Mission Street is looking to start construction of the new buildings on site in 2023 with an indicative construction period of 12-15 months.
Image source: Mission Street
© Eastern Echo (powered by ukpropertyforums.com).
Sign up to receive your free bi-weekly Eastern Echo journal here.
