LOLA

LOLA Landscape Architects was selected by Landsec U+I and developer TOWN as landscape designers for the transformative 48-ha Hartree development plan in North East Cambridge, United Kingdom.

The masterplan is designed by Swedish practice Kjellander Sjöberg Architects in collaboration with LOLA Landscape Architects. Various disciplines such as urban planners, architects, engineers, and sustainability experts, are collaborating closely with LOLA to design the new 48-ha development at Hartree, a new mixed-use neighbourhood in North East Cambridge. This collaboration is supported by renowned architecture practices such as Bell Phillips, Haworth Tompkins, 5th Studio Architects, Feilden Fowles, Nooma Studio, Alison Brooks Architects, Useful Projects and Pell Frischmann.

Owned by Anglian Water and Cambridge City Council, Hartree is neighboured by key employment districts such as Cambridge Business Park, St John’s Innovation Park, and the world-renowned Cambridge Science Park. Formerly known as “Core Site”, the project is officially named “Hartree” after a participative process with local inhabitants. The urban district’s new name pays tribute to the legacy of Cambridge’s first female Mayor, Eva Hartree. Placing a strong emphasis on the well-being of the community, the city’s future, and sustainability, the area makes a promising new district for Cambridge.

Based on three key promises of championing people, the city, and the planet, Hartree’s design aims to support the well-being of residents, visitors, and workers. Its development aims to contribute towards shaping Cambridge’s future and exemplify sustainable 21^st-century living.

The site is owned by Anglian Water and Cambridge City Council and is currently home to the Cambridge Waste Water Treatment Plant, a golf driving range, a depot, and commercial buildings. The proposal will include over 5,000 homes, with amenities and facilities such as schools, shops, workplaces, and parks within accessible walking distance. An ongoing series of focus groups, workshops, and co-designed sessions are coordinated to ensure that the emerging project is shaped by people and organisations around Cambridge.

The next steps for Hartree include further community engagement throughout 2023 to give the community further opportunities to input into the scheme, engagement with the Local Planning Authority, and a detailed design process. The planning submission is anticipated in late 2024.

Client: U and I (Cambridge) Limited and TOWN
I.c.w.: Kjellanders Joberg, Bell Phillips Architects, Haworth Tompkins, 5th studio, Feilden Fowles, Alison Brooks Architects, Nooma Studio, Useful Projects, Pell Frischmann