Constructing the Lakes

Cambridge Sport Lakes is a multi-sport facility consisting of two connected lakes for rowing, canoeing and related water sports, a storage lake for angling and maintaining water quality, a BMX track, a closed cycle circuit and tracks for running together with a sports centre. Facilities such as this are acknowledged by the Government as the best way to provide recreation provision in rural areas. All of these features will be set in over 100 acres of parkland interlaced with footpaths and cycle paths. The lakes are designed to help meet the need for sport and recreation in the Cambridgeshire region and balance this need for development with the protection of the environment.

PROJECT COSTS £ (million)
Planning studies and archeological evaluation 2.1
Land purchase 1.3
Training and Storage Lake construction 2.1
Roads & structures (incl. 4 bridges) 4.7
Completion of the Compettition Lake 5.2
Landscaping of grounds 0.6
Total 16.0

 

PROJECT TIMETABLE
2002 Feasibility study & preliminary design.
Autumn 2003 Acquisition of control of the land completed.
Archaeological evaluation started.
Autumn 2004 Archaeological evaluation continued.
Winter 2008 Construction begins
Spring 2009 Scheduled opening of Competition Lake.
Boathouse construction.

 

Phasing the Project [top]

To suit funding streams, the remaining project sections have been divided into two phases.

  • Phase One will create the Canal, Training Lake, Storage Lake, BMX track and cycle circuit. Athletes will gain access to the site by road or via the River Cam and will be able to make use of the temporary facilities and the landing area located at the north end of the Training Lake. Anglers will access the Storage Lake from Car Dyke Road.
  • Phase Two will comprise the remainder of the Competition Lake, access roads and vehicle parking together with the Sports Centre and running tracks.

Planning Permission & Environmental Assessment [top]

A resolution to grant planning permission (subject to signing section 106) was granted by South Cambridgeshire District Council to the Trust in the mid-1990s. However, in light of regulation changes made since the original planning application, the Trust has elected to refresh planning permission. An updated planning application that includes an environmental statement addressing landscaping, hydrology, ground pollution, ecology, archaeology and heritage, transport, public access, health impact and planning polices is to be submitted in 2006.

Archaeology & Heritage [top]

Archaeological Evaluation November 2004
Courtesy of Magnum Opus Photography

Aerial photographs, crops markings and other evidence indicate that areas within the Cambridge Sport Lakes site may be of archaeological interest, containing mainly Roman and Anglo-Saxon artefacts. A strategy has been developed to mitigate the effects of the development upon the archaeology. In the interests of preserving our heritage, the Trust has asked Oxford Archaeology to prepare a research design reporting on what is currently known about the archaeological resource, its potential, the impact of the development and the priorities for any mitigation strategy. It outlines fieldwork, strategies, timetables, post-excavation procedures and educational opportunities and forms part of the environmental statement.

Stage one of the mitigation commenced in 2003 and was continued in Autumn 2004. A programme of geophysical surveying and evaluation trenching of the site was carried out allowing the character, date and extent of surviving archaeological remains to be determined with some confidence. Evaluation trenching looked at a 5% sample as required by Cambridgeshire County Council Archaeological Office. Local school students were offered the one-off educational opportunity to visit the trenching and discover more about the history on their doorstep.

Landscaping [top]

The landscaping proposals complement the surrounding fenland landscape and reflect its essential characteristics whilst developing a distinctive character for Cambridge Sport Lakes.

  • Trees, shrubs and banking on the west side of the Competition Lake will minimise wind speed on the lake.
  • The whole plane will be elevated, including the area for the sports facilities and grandstand by accommodating spoil from the lakes on-site.
  • Mounds either side of the competition lake will carry access roads, affording superb views across the lakes and into the more intricate landscape to the east.
  • The Storage Lake will have a natural bank profile, creating a contrast with the angular Training and Competition Lakes.
  • The Sports Centre will be a single pavilion building designed to provide a distinctive and contemporary outline with the surrounding fenland.

Overall, the principal vista remains the open fenland with trees defining the horizon along the riverbanks, Car Dyke Road and Milton Village. Cambridge Sport Lakes provides a new opportunity to appreciate and experience the fens in an exciting sports arena.