Turnstone and Diocese of Ely unveil Cambridge fringe employment plan

Turnstone Estates and the Diocese of Ely have agreed to advance planning for a mixed employment scheme at Milton Park on Cambridge’s northern fringe. The first phase could deliver 350,000 sq ft, with total capacity rising to 646,000 sq ft if a second phase goes ahead.

Why it matters: - The Milton Park plan could add a major pool of modern employment space for businesses that are struggling to find suitable premises in Cambridge. - The scheme is also designed to help free up constrained city sites for housing by giving existing occupiers somewhere else to move. - The proposal sits close to key transport links, which strengthens its case as a lower-infrastructure option for growth.

What happened: - Turnstone Estates has entered a Promotion and Option Agreement with the Ely Diocesan Board of Finance to bring forward planning proposals for a mixed employment scheme at Milton Park. - The 43-acre site sits on the northern fringe of Cambridge. - Turnstone will act as the Diocese’s land promotion partner. - The first phase is intended to seek planning permission for about 350,000 sq ft of employment floorspace. - A potential second phase could add another 296,000 sq ft.

The details: - The scheme is aimed at sectors including advanced manufacturing, mid-tech, trade counters and final-mile distribution. - The site could provide new premises for established Cambridge businesses now on land identified for residential redevelopment. - The development would support the release of constrained sites in and around Cambridge for new homes while keeping jobs in the area. - Milton Park is on the western side of the A10 and within half a mile of Junction 33 of the A14. - The site includes the existing 800-space Milton Park & Ride, with buses running every 10 minutes into Cambridge city centre. - The proposed Cambridge to Waterbeach Busway would include a stop at Butt Lane. - A second phase would depend on the existing Park & Ride being considered surplus after a new Waterbeach facility opens in 2031. - Carter Jonas and Mills & Reeve acted for the Ely Diocesan Board of Finance. - Howes Percival acted for Turnstone Estates. - Images are available to download here. - More information is available on Turnstone Estates.

Between the lines: - The Diocese said the land has long been intended to benefit Cambridge and described the agreement as a natural follow-on from earlier uses on the site, including the Park & Ride, the new police station and an EV charging station now under construction. - The police station example is meant to show how employment land can shift out of central Cambridge and unlock housing elsewhere. - Turnstone’s pitch is that the site can move relatively quickly because it already has strong transport connections and limited need for major new infrastructure. - The project also appears tied to broader Local Plan goals for balancing jobs, transport access and housing delivery.

What's next: - Turnstone will pursue planning permission for the first phase. - A second phase would be considered later if the Park & Ride becomes surplus after the Waterbeach transport changes. - The Diocese expects the deal to support high-quality commercial space and jobs for Cambridge. - The scheme will move forward subject to planning approval.

The bottom line: - Milton Park could become a key pressure valve for Cambridge’s tight employment market, while helping release other sites for homes.