Mayor visits Cambridge West Innovation District championing growth in the region 

Mayor visits Cambridge West Innovation District championing growth in the region 

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Paul Bristow visited the Cambridge West Innovation District to see first-hand how the innovation district is evolving and supporting the region’s ambitions for fast growth.  

Developed by the University of Cambridge, Cambridge West combines academia, research, and entrepreneurship, bringing together world-class academic talent with knowledge-intensive businesses. It is home to organisations such as Cambridge Enterprise, which is the commercialisation arm of the University; and to cutting-edge facilities like the Maxwell Centre, which integrates industry with the University’s research in physical sciences and technology, and the new Whittle Lab, a world-leading research centre accelerating zero-carbon flight and sustainable aviation.  

Through the Eddington development, the University is also responding to the city and region’s need for well-planned homes, close to research facilities and places of work. 

Cambridge West is currently home to 4,000 jobs with a goal of expanding that to 15,000 by 2041 – making it critical to the future growth of our economy. Highlighted in the Combined Authority’s recently launched Local Growth Plan (LGP), the Cambridge West Innovation District plays a key role in developing the region’s digital technology sector by providing a unique opportunity for industry leaders and researchers to co-locate with one of the world’s leading universities.   

The LGP sets out the Paul Bristow’s ambitious goal to triple the region’s economy and make it the fastest-growing outside of London. Innovative sites for growth like Cambridge West are at the core of that vision.  

During the visit, the Mayor toured the Whittle Laboratory, where advanced technologies are developed in partnership with companies such as Rolls-Royce, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Siemens Energy. The Laboratory also houses the new Bennett Innovation Lab, which is designed to accelerate the development of breakthrough technologies across the energy, defence, and aviation sectors. This was followed by a walk round the wider Cambridge West district and a visit to the Institute for Manufacturing. The visit concluded with a tour of Eddington, the University of Cambridge’s response to the need to provide housing for staff and the wider community. 1800 homes have been delivered in phase 1 with potential to deliver a total of over 5,500 in future phases.  

Mayor Paul Bristow said: “Cambridge West is a great example of what makes our economy special – bringing together world class academia, research and entrepreneurship. But we can’t take Cambridge for granted as it’s places like this that will help us to achieve our ambitious growth goals.  

“Growth doesn’t happen on its own. That’s why I’m working on light rail in Cambridge and pushing Government to back these opportunities and work with us to unlock housing, water and energy capacity to make sure that this amazing growth potential can be realised.” 

Professor Sir John Aston, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research said: “We were delighted to welcome Mayor Paul Bristow to the Cambridge West Innovation District. Cambridge West is a unique opportunity for the region, and the country, providing space for spinouts and industry at large to co-locate with our leading academic departments. We look forward to working with the Mayor over the year ahead to deliver on his ambitious plans to boost economic growth.” 

Professor Rob Miller, Director of the Whittle Laboratory said: “It was wonderful to show Mayor Paul Bristow around the £58million New Whittle Laboratory. The Laboratory also houses the Bennett Innovation Lab, designed to accelerate breakthrough technologies across the energy, defence, and aviation sectors. Ultimately, it is by creating new industries, jobs, and sustained economic growth that we will secure long-term prosperity, and we look forward to working with the Mayor over the year ahead to deliver on his ambitious plans for growth.”