Eddington Sustainable Community
An exemplar neighbourhood built for healthy living
Cambridge, UK
Eddington is a pioneering new sustainable community in Cambridge by the University of Cambridge that will be delivered over the next 20 years. Set within an ecological parkland landscape by Gillespies, this ambitious community sets a new standard for sustainable, healthy living.
The University of Cambridge’s vision for Eddington is to create a sustainable, inclusive and future-ready neighbourhood that sets a new benchmark for healthy, low-impact living.
Situated to the northwest of the city centre of Cambridge, Eddington has been carefully planned to enable residents to minimise their environmental impact and live healthier lifestyles, with a forward-thinking approach to travel, energy and landscape design.
Gillespies has developed the landscape design and strategy for the phase 2 infrastructure, building on principals established in the original masterplan by Aecom and their phase 1 works, which includes the largest greywater recycling system in the UK with water recycled through cleansing lagoons.
The new neighbourhood is being designed to the highest sustainability standards, showcasing the latest technology in water management and habitat design. Substantial ecological parklands along the western edge of the development deliver five ‘green fingers’ with integrated swales and shallow gravel-filled planted rain gardens to connect back into the development. The ‘green fingers’ will provide not only drainage but also multi-functional, accessible green spaces.
Working closely with the client’s ecologists, we’ve embedded habitat-led planting across the scheme, from perennial planting in residential streets to robust tree planting along primary routes — increasing biodiversity and resilience while enriching the urban canopy. Hardy, drought-tolerant species in gravel mulch reduce irrigation needs, while layered planting brings seasonal interest and ecological value. The design included as much species diversity as possible to guard against wholesale loss through pathogens and climate change.
Active travel is championed throughout, with a dedicated pedestrian and cycle 'Ridgway spine', a wider network of bike and pedestrian paths and a 1.2km primary street containing integrated cycle lanes, wide verges and , traffic-calming designs to give walking and cycling clear priority over cars. Key community spaces, including 2.6 hectares of community allotments and a new sports hub with 3G and grass pitches, are stitched into the neighbourhood to reduce the need for travel and strengthen local connections.
Eddington is set to become an exemplar addition to Cambridge — a place that champions sustainable design and social connection. We're proud to be working closely with the University's sustainability consultants to help achieve a CEEQUAL Excellent rating and play a key role in delivering one of the UK’s most forward-thinking sustainable communities.
Project details
Title
Eddington Sustainable Community
Client
University of Cambridge
Status
Ongoing
Project team
Gillespies
Gillespies team
Stephen Richards, Sheena Bell, Neil Matthew
Photography
Gillespies