Randall Thorp have acted as Landscape Architects for Cambourne since the the original Cambourne masterplan was drawn up in the early 1990’s. In 1998 Randall Thorp took over as Cambourne masterplan consultants. Alongside the role of Landscape Architects for Cambourne. we are responsible for masterplan development and design direction for the original Cambourne masterplan, enhanced areas and expansion areas for the project.
Cambourne is a 400 ha new settlement, 9 miles west of Cambridge. It has planning permission for 3,300 new homes, 3 primary schools, a town centre with shops, offices and commercial units, a library, health centre, ecumenical centre, burial ground, allotments, police station, fire station, community centre, sports centre, hotel and 50 ha Business Park. Cambourne has been pioneering in much of what it has proposed. Amongst the many Cambourne masterplan concepts was the idea of dedicating two thirds of the site to open space and what is now referred to as ‘Green Infrastructure’.
The involvement of landscape consultants and ecologists in the design team from the outset ensured that Green Infrastructure was appropriately planned and designed from inception with appropriate management aims and systems also considered from day one.
The original Masterplan vision recognised that the natural environment has a vital role to play in creating sustainable new settlements. Existing landscape and wildlife features on the site were preserved and enhanced and open space areas designed to provide a range of different functions including ecological enhancement, engineering requirements, waste disposal, water attenuation & SUDs, education, screening, shelter and informal and formal recreation.
The resulting network of green spaces at Cambourne includes a range of habitats and public realm that provide benefits that far exceed the sum of the individual parts.
Cambourne has won design awards and been cited as an exemplar project by Natural England, The Companion Guide to PPS9, The Landscape Institute, the Chief Executive of CABE and the County Wildlife Trust, amongst others. In 2006 a County Council household survey was carried out in Cambourne. When asked what was the best thing about living there, the number one response from residents was; ‘The environment’.
RANDALL THORP CANADA HOUSE 3 CHEPSTOW STREET MANCHESTER M1 5FW
