Railpen, manager of the £34bn Railways Pension Scheme in the UK, has announced the opening of a new Starbucks coffeehouse at Cambridge Retail Park, part of the first phase of an extensive investment programme in the destination.
Situated at the entrance to Cambridge Retail Park on Newmarket Road, the refurbished Starbucks now comprises 2,000sq ft set in a café garden. Open seven days a week, the landscaped café garden includes a children’s play area and a pedestrianised link directly from Newmarket Road. The planting and green roof contribute to a biodiversity gain at the site of more than 10%.
Maria Averkina, asset and development manager at Railpen, said: “The opening of Starbucks is the exciting first stage of the transformation of Cambridge Retail Park, and its design and sustainability credentials are of the highest standards. In addition, we have focused on creating a unique, appealing environment that will appeal to all visitors, whether shoppers or local residents.”
Andrew Ashley, store manager at the new Starbucks, added: “We’re absolutely delighted to be opening this totally refurbished coffeehouse. The new design delivers a refreshed look throughout and creates a welcoming and comfortable environment for our customers to relax and enjoy their handcrafted beverages. We’re looking forward to welcoming the local community and becoming part of their day.”
The opening of Starbucks follows the approval earlier this year of Railpen’s proposals to create a 112,000sq ft six-storey Grade A office building, 230 Newmarket Road, adjacent to Cambridge Retail Park. Railpen is also onsite with Mill Yard, its 180,000sq ft mixed-use campus, and Botanic Place, its 330,000sq ft global standard headquarters development, both just a few minutes’ walk from Cambridge station.
