The Wing development

This article was published in 2013, in Newsletter 109.

Masterplan for The Wing (Pollard Thomas Edwards Architects).
Image as described adjacent

Wing is the name of a new development just to the north of Cambridge Airport. It may bring significant changes for cycle networks in the area, and so far these changes are looking good.

Cambridge Cycling Campaign was invited to a workshop at Marshall’s to discuss the basic design and requirements for the new development. The site is between Newmarket Road and High Ditch Road, seen from behind the car showrooms to the Park & Ride site. We were invited to present some desires for this location, which were reviewed at the Campaign’s monthly meeting before being presented.

With a new cycle bridge over the River Cam, the site would be approximately five minutes’ cycling time from the planned Science Park Railway Station. This is the same bridge that would be required to complete the Chisholm Trail. Marshall’s have been saying very encouraging words about pushing for this new link.

For this bridge to be accessible, the Jubilee Cycleway crossing at Fen Ditton Road needs to be improved. We have suggested that an underpass would be the ideal arrangement, especially since Marshall’s own the old railway alignment already.

Our other major request is for a link to the rarely used farm access bridge over the A14 to allow Lodes Way to reach all the way into Cambridge. The concept of a major cycleway through the development that therefore links the new railway station and Lodes Way has been accepted. This would be an excellent route for the people of Cambridge to reach Anglesey Abbey and Wicken Fen using a fully segregated cycleway. This would be an excellent route for the Reach Ride.

Internally, the development is planned to have a primary school, and we have requested a bicycle drop-off area separated from a car drop-off area. Plentiful bicycle parking has also been requested. We have also suggested designing segregated cycle routes along the two primary routes into the development, with these having priority over the side roads.

One idea from Cambridge Past, Present and Future was for part of the development to be car-free. We supported such a proposal. However, given that this is a Marshall’s development and that they sell many cars, this was not taken fully on board. However, car parking may be restricted in front of the houses, with car clubs being promoted, and remote parking areas for those who need a second car.

As always, the details will matter, but so far we are reasonably positive about the benefits for people who wish to use a bicycle in this development.

See camcycle.cyclescape.org/threads/573 for more information and discussion.

Robin Heydon