Plans submitted to convert a former homeless hostel into temporary offices, sparking debate over its future use.
Railpen owns those railway worker cottages, and they planned to make them into homes. Now, they want to use Railway House as offices to house staff building the Mill Yard apartments. This office use would be temporary, starting in March 2025 and ending in January 2027.
Railpen still plans to make it homes later and wants to fix Railway House up nicely. The developer says using the building prevents disrepair. A letter mentions residents’ concerns; they worry about the building’s appearance. This plan offers a short-term solution.
Changes to the site will be small, including removing screens, graffiti, and old kitchens. They’ll also install a disabled toilet. The site will only be used during work hours, which are weekdays from 7 AM to 6 PM and Saturdays from 10 AM until 1 PM.
A resident since the 80s worries too, as Railway House looks unloved and graffiti covers the building. They fear it will become damp and damaged and hopes for repairs.
Cambridge City Council decides before April 15, 2025. The planning application number is 25/00604/FUL, and you can view it online.