Project
Lot M3, Eddington, North West Cambridge
Year
2015–current
Client
Hill
Number of homes
106
Homes per hectare
385
Local authority
Cambridge City Council
Website
The Icon is a new residential development within Cambridge University’s Eddington masterplan. Building on the success of our award-winning Knights Park housing development and once again designed for Hill, the scheme delivers 106 private apartments arranged in two terraces around a central long gallery, referencing Cambridge’s college quadrangles in a contemporary form.
The project was won in a limited design competition in 2015 while we were immersed in the delivery of Knights Park, and despite expectations that the university would appoint a different architect-developer team, the scheme was described as “outstanding.”
Construction began in 2019 but was halted when Hill withdrew from the site, citing unfavourable market conditions for selling high-end apartments. The site remained dormant until work resumed in 2023 - with one significant change: originally designed with Rheinzink-clad box bays, post-Grenfell caution prompted a switch to Mirato White brick.
A pair of stepped terraces encloses a central long gallery, evoking the layered complexity of Cambridge’s medieval fabric. To the west, the building completes Eddington’s market square; to the east, the box bay balconies overlook a cricket pitch. Resident amenities include a porter’s lodge, secure underground parking, and a rooftop garden traversed by elegant link bridges. The corner gallery, originally planned as exhibition space, will serve as Cambridge University’s Eddington site office.
Designed to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5, the building connects to a district energy centre and an underground waste collection system.
Completion is expected at the end of 2025.
This is a very exciting time for Cambridge, which is a growth city with a strong economic base and great prospects. Demand for high quality new homes is high but the city is taking control of its future, making every effort to create the new homes and infrastructure that local people need. This is our second phase at the North West Cambridge Development, which will be a dynamic and vibrant new community. We are looking forward to working with the University to help shape its future, where our plans for Eddington Avenue will create a real landmark for the site.
Andy Hill, Chief Executive, Hill
North West Cambridge will contribute to the long-term success of the city and the university. The partnership working amongst the University team with the local authorities and developers, alongside the commendation from industry professionals, is a positive endorsement that the project will deliver real benefit for the good of our community.
Brian Nearney, Commercial Director, North West Cambridge Development
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