Hartree Cambridge

Cambridge, UK

Type Masterplan, Landscape design
Year 2021-2024
Construction 2028-2041
Location Cambridge, UK
Size 48 ha
Client U + I Limited, TOWN, Cambridge 4 LLP
I.c.w. Kjellander Sjoberg, Pilbrow & Partners, Carter Jonas, Pell Frischmann, Useful Projects, ECF, AQ Consultants(Logika Group), Lightwood Green LTD, Planit IE, Greengage, Apex Acoustics, Orion Heritage, Applied Ecology
Team Eric-Jan Pleijster, Sara Ingignoli, Jie Wang, Giulia Aretino, Lucio Fiorentino, Roberto Coccia, Silke Volkert, Nastya Vashchenko, Lotte Bongers, Eva van der Jagt
Renders Kjellander Sjöberg Architects, Secchi Smith
Awards Shortlist The Pineapples 2025 Awards

Hartree sets a new standard

LOLA Landscape Architects was selected by Landsec U+I and TOWN as landscape designers to transform a 48-ha brownfield in North-East Cambridge, United Kingdom, and design the masterplan for Hartree, a new 120-acre residential development. Placing a strong emphasis on the well-being of the community, the city’s future, and sustainability, the ambition is to create a promising new district for Cambridge that looks back at its history and existing legacy and turn them into a vibrant and valuable heritage.

Delivered over 20 years, Hartree will set a new standard for sustainability by enhancing the quality of life for local people and supporting the economy of Greater Cambridge. It is the last lar­ge-scale, undeveloped brownfield regeneration site in Cambridge. With a focus on its history and existing on-site legacy, Hartree will showcase a unique identity, bridging nature and its post-industrial character.

The postindustrial heritage site contains green areas, old basins and other relicts

Satellite view project site

A bird’s-eye view of the masterplan highlights the edge conditions and balances residential and commercial spaces, framed by vibrant green and blue networks

Working toward a better future

The North East Cambridge area will gain 5,600 new homes, 2 primary schools and job opportunities by relocating the Cambridge Waste Water Treatment Plant, addressing urgent housing needs. Hartree will play a key role in realizing the Local Planning Authori­ties’ vision and values for an inclusive, walkable and low-carbon district, blending homes, workplaces, and social spaces with surrounding neighbor­hoods.

The core values guide the project’s goals and key decisions, shaping how we live and work

Masterplan transforming the Anglian Water Site into 6,500 homes and 15,000 jobs with a green structure

Integrating nature and people

Hartree’s strategy for high-quality open spaces focuses on peop­le-centered activities while preserving existing natural habitats and providing new ones, aligning with Cambridge’s vision for vibrant, inclusive urban environments. This approach fosters intergenerational interaction, offering play spaces, multifunctional areas, green routes, and water-centric landscapes, ensuring both ecological integrity and community engagement.

Hartree will bring together nature and people, promoting slow-mobility and providing direct connections to nature. Through habitat conservation and new, inclusive multi-use spaces, it will enhance well-being and foster a vibrant, sustainable en­vironment.

Connection to the larger green structure

Green Infrastructure

Habitat Connectivit

Optimizing the First Drain with a gentle slope to enhance biodiversity and bring people to closer to the water

Hartree offers space for activity

Public Open Spaces are designed to facilitate and encourage activity like meeting and gathering, different play opportunities, flexible sports and provide spaces for retreat and relax. On top of these, natural areas allow for exploration and outdoor learning. This variety of spaces with a mix of programmatic elements is delivered across the different scales of public open spaces at Hartree, connected by pedestrian and cycle networks and ensuring that door-step play and nature are available to everyone.

Play and sport zones are mainly located along the Playline, crossing Hartree and connecting the three different neighborhoods. They range from formal settings, to informal features that inspire use, to ‘free zones’ that serve as multi-functional spaces for both play, sport, outdoor education or gathering. This strategy provides a palette of opportunities that create a space that is flexible in space and time.

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