Cambridge City Council opens sustainable operations hub

Facility features solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems and EV fleet infrastructure

Cambridge City Council has opened its new operations hub, a major milestone in the council’s drive for sustainable and efficient public services.

The new two-storey facility brings together the council’s essential front line services under one roof, providing 7,500m² of modern office, storage and operational space, as well as parking for the city’s fleet of cleaning, maintenance and landscaping vehicles. 

The project included the construction of a contemporary office extension and the refurbishment of a former garage to accommodate vans, tractors and trailers.

The operations hub incorporates solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems and infrastructure to support an all-electric vehicle fleet. These features play a key role in supporting the council’s ambition to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Main contractor VolkerFitzpatrick worked with construction consultancy Gleeds, Lanpro and Cambridge City Council.

Council leader Cllr Cameron Holloway said: “The completion of the new Operations Hub is a landmark achievement for Cambridge City Council and a clear example of how ambitious public projects can be delivered responsibly, collaboratively, and sustainably.

“This facility isn’t just a modern workplace, it represents a step change in how we deliver essential services for our residents, bringing our frontline teams together under one roof and supporting our journey to net zero.

“The partnership between the council, VolkerFitzpatrick and Gleeds has shown what’s possible when the public and private sectors work hand in hand with a shared purpose. Winning Project of the Year – East at the National Project Excellence Awards (NPEA) 2025 is also a well-deserved recognition for the dedication, innovation, and teamwork that made this vision a reality.”

The project was secured via the £8 billion Procure Partnerships Framework, which simplifies procurement and ensures high-quality standards, helping clients manage risks effectively for large-scale developments.