University of Cambridge, Reshaping our Estate
- Location
- Cambridge, UK
- Client
- Cambridge University
- Expertise
- Architecture
- Design Management
- Estates Optimisation
- Landscape Architecture
- Sustainability
- Sustainability Strategy
- Urban Design
- Completion
- Phase 1 2024, Phase 2 Ongoing
A dynamic, evidence led framework is guiding long term estate decisions, improved utilisation and sustainable growth across a complex academic portfolio.
The University of Cambridge appointed us in 2023 to develop a comprehensive Estate Strategy covering all schools, non‑school institutions, museums, hospitals, professional services and sites across the city. The University sought an estate that is more efficient, more effective and more sustainable, capable of supporting world‑leading research and teaching while adapting to changing academic and operational needs.
We collaborated with specialist consultants on data collection and space planning and led the Concept Design workstream across the University’s full academic and professional landscape. Engagement involved academic departments, non‑school institutions, governance groups and city‑wide stakeholders, supported by workshops, online forums, surveys and the Reshaping our Estate exhibition.
The resulting strategy delivers a scenario‑based space model, estate design principles, design and space type methodology, site strategies and a 20‑year implementation plan with cash‑flow modelling. This provides a flexible, long‑term framework capable of evolving over the short, medium and long term while supporting high‑performing, sustainable academic environments.
Creating a higher performing estate
Our Estates Optimisation advisory services supported the University in developing an evidence‑based strategy to improve performance, utilisation and long‑term value across its diverse estate portfolio. Through benchmarking, scenario modelling, site analysis and concept development at city, site and building scales, we provided the strategic insight required to inform future estate decisions and investment priorities.
The Reshaping our Estate principles establish a framework for creating high‑quality spaces, improving asset utilisation, increasing shared use and enabling new ways of working. Our specialist advisers shaped a strategy that supports long‑term financial sustainability, enhanced collaboration and reduced operating costs, underpinned by a phased 20‑year implementation plan.
Advancing long term sustainability goals
Our Decarbonisation advisory services provided strategic guidance to support the University’s environmental sustainability and net‑zero ambitions across its estate portfolio. Through the development of the Reshaping our Estate principles and sustainability‑focused studies, we assessed opportunities to improve estate performance while supporting long‑term operational requirements.
We considered both operational and embodied carbon to enable informed decision‑making across the estate lifecycle. The strategy establishes a clear framework for environmental sustainability, supports optimisation of existing assets and provides a pathway towards zero‑carbon operations. This aligns future estate investment with the University’s long‑term sustainability objectives and strengthens the resilience of its academic environments.