Developers hope to submit plans to redevelop and extend a 1970s office building in Cambridge in the new year.
An update on the proposals for Clarendon House, in Clarendon Road, was given to councillors at Cambridge City Council on Monday (December 11).
The developer, Wrenbridge, wants to create a “very high quality office space”. Its representatives told councillors the existing building had “poor fabric efficiency” and that its energy performance would not be compliant by 2030.
The four-storey building would be replaced with a new five-storey building under the plans, although the existing building’s steel frame will be kept and reused in the new block.
Planners said the new building had cyclists in mind, with separate car and bike access, which is currently shared.
Four trees would be cut down to create the separate entrances, but new trees will be planted tol increase the canopy cover.
The developers plan to “significantly improve facilities for cyclists” with lockers and changing facilities on the same level as the cycle parking, which is proposed to include Sheffield stands, two-tier stands and over-sized stands for cargo bikes.
The building will have level access and solar panels on the south facing roof.
About 400 people could work there.
Cllr Richard Robertson (Lab, Petersfield) raised concerns about the height of the new building compared to its neighbours.
Developers said the entrance in Clarendon Road was proposed to be three storeys, which was a similar height to its neighbours.
The building would step up where it is set further back from the road.
Cllr Robertson said the building “stepped up dramatically” and said the main building behind the entrance section was “massive”.
Cllr Katie Porrer (Lib Dem, Market) said there were “lots of positives”, but also had some concerns about the height and did not think this had been fully justified yet.
Cllr Martin Smart (Lab, King’s Hedges) questioned the use of brick for the exterior, asking: “Did you consider being brave enough to use any other lower carbon materials?”
The developers said it was a “fair point” about the carbon, but brick was considered an appropriate material for the area and at a public consultation many people had voiced a preference for bricks to be used
The plans could be submitted in January.