A former brickworks could become a net zero science and technology park under plans to redevelop the site.

A planning application seeks outline permission to build the net zero park on the former Saxon and Victory Works, in Peterborough Road, Whittlesey.

A new country park would accompany the 65,000 square metre site, with plans proposing a “purpose built” space for small and medium-sized scientific businesses. 

The site would retain an existing lake described by developers as a “central feature” and include a café and gym built on “floating” structures.

The proposals were submitted to Fenland District Council by current landowner Saxons Works Ltd.

If approved, the development would be constructed by Peterborough Science and Technology Park Limited.

A planning statement submitted as part of the application said: “The application seeks permission for the redevelopment of the site to provide a new campus for science and technology-based businesses along with amenity buildings open to the local community, renewable energy infrastructure to provide heat and power, a publicly accessible country park, new highways access and other associated infrastructure.

“The sites were formerly used for the extraction of clay for the manufacture of bricks which were manufactured on site.

“All of the former buildings associated with the brickworks including the kilns and chimneys have previously been demolished and the site has been left level with a covering of either concrete or crushed bricks.”

Renewable energy sources including solar panels and heat pumps would power for the offices and laboratories, with bladeless wind technology “incorporated” into buildings over time.

An “extensive network” of foot and cycleways and newly constructed highways access from the A603 have also been proposed.

The application suggested the science park would increase investment opportunities and the number of available high-skilled jobs in the area.

The plans said: “The development would deliver purpose-built space for small and medium sized scientific companies particularly those involved in research and development.

“The scale of the development allows sufficient space for those businesses to grow and evolve.

“These types of businesses are likely to create spin-off opportunities which attract inward investment leading to economic growth within the cluster thereby creating further new opportunities.”

You can view the full planning application here.