Greystar has secured Planning Approval for 387 build to rent homes at Waterbeach, Cambridge, marking a significant milestone for its first UK garden-style rental community and bringing the new lakeside neighbourhood a step closer to delivery.
We are pleased to be supporting Greystar as Quantity Surveyor on the development, which has received approval from South Cambridgeshire District Council just three months after the launch of Greystar’s UK garden-style rental housing strategy.
Working alongside master developer Urban&Civic, architect AFK Studios, landscape architect HTA Design, planning consultant David Lock Associates, engineers Walsh and EDC Engineering Design Consultants, Neuron, Cast Consultancy and Gowling WLG, we are providing Quantity Surveying and commercial management services to support the delivery of this new residential community.
A new neighbourhood takes shape
Located four miles north of Cambridge, the development forms part of Urban&Civic’s wider 6,500-home masterplan for the former Waterbeach Barracks and Airfield, one of the region’s most significant residential regeneration projects.
The approved plans comprise four mid-rise residential buildings arranged around landscaped gardens and courtyards, with a mix of market and Discounted Market Rent homes. Designed to encourage community interaction and access to nature, the development will feature resident amenities including a gym, co-working facilities and retail space.
A new public plaza overlooking Waterbeach Lake, alongside a waterfront promenade and boardwalk, will improve connections to the lake and provide accessible public spaces for the wider community.
The scheme also incorporates an all-electric energy strategy, rooftop solar panels and biodiversity enhancements, including new reed beds and waterside planting.
Supporting commercial certainty and long-term value
As Quantity Surveyor, we are providing comprehensive cost management services, supporting Greystar through cost planning, procurement advice, commercial management and financial control. Our involvement focuses on maintaining cost certainty, managing commercial risks and identifying opportunities to maximise value while supporting the project’s architectural ambitions and long-term operational requirements.
With planning approval secured, the development progresses towards its next stage, with construction anticipated to commence in early 2027, subject to the remaining statutory processes and approvals. The first residents are expected from September 2028.
The project represents an important step in Greystar’s ambition to expand its garden-style rental housing model across high-growth UK locations, providing professionally managed homes that respond to increasing housing demand.
Discover more about Waterbeach
To discuss how our Quantity Surveying and integrated consultancy services support complex Built to Rent projects across the UK, please explore our projects, services and contact pages.
