OVERVIEW
Ironworks is a landmark regeneration scheme in Cambridge comprising 236 new homes, 50% of which are affordable. Completed in early 2023 by Hill Group for Cambridge Investment Partnership, it is a mixed tenure development combining open market and affordable homes, a community centre, public open space and a series of art installations. The scheme retained a number of heritage assets including the Grade II-listed Mill Road Library and Gatehouse, ensuring the site reflected the history of the area and its creative community.
CREATE’S ROLE
We were initially appointed to provide multidisciplinary services (Acoustics, Air Quality, Civil Engineering, Geo-environmental, Sustainability) in support of the planning application, before being retained across RIBA Stages 3–7.
Our roles, technical services and outputs included:
- Initial Baseline Noise and Vibration Monitoring
- Plant Noise Assessment
- Air Quality Assessment
- ADMS Plan Modelling
- Materials Management Plan
- BREEAM Pre-Assessment
- Overheating Assessment
- Energy Statement
- Sustainability Statement
- Thermal Modelling
- Ventilation Statement
- 3D Noise Propagation Modelling
- Multidisciplinary Advice
- Detailed Noise Break-in Calculations
- Air Quality Demolition and Construction Dust Management Plan
- Construction Noise and Vibration Assessment
- Noise, Vibration and Dust Monitoring
- Pre-Completion Testing
- BREEAM Post Construction Assessment
CHALLENGES
The location of the site presented our team with several challenges throughout the pre-planning, design and construction stages. Most notably, the close proximity to the Cambridge to London Main Line and associated rail maintenance sidings – owned and operated by Network Rail – meant that noise and vibration levels were a primary concern. These required detailed assessment, bespoke mitigation strategies and ongoing monitoring throughout construction to safeguard future residents.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND BENEFITS
Planning consent was secured from Members of Cambridge City Council in March 2018. Through expert acoustic advice and recommended mitigation methods, the challenges posed by the proximity of the railway were successfully overcome, enabling the delivery of 236 high-quality new homes – 50% of which are affordable – together with community and public realm facilities in the heart of Cambridge.
