£25m Cambridge sports lake project 'a step closer'

A 220-acre water sports complex between Milton and Waterbeach in Cambridgeshire is a step closer to becoming a reality after an agreement was completed by the developer, landowners and South Cambridgeshire District Council.

Plans to establish the £25m centre were first announced in 2004 and received planning permission in 2007 - subject to the developer agreement being in place. The agreement, signed last week, requires the area around the lake to be open to the public - including 100 acres of woodland.

Before building works can begin, a raft of conditions relating to drainage, flood risk assessments, impact on the River Cam and land drains - which run adjacent to the planned lake - must also be addressed.

When completed, facilities at the complex will include a 3.2km stretch of water, connected to the River Cam and including a 2 km long international competition standard rowing and canoeing course at least 100m wide.

There will also be a triathlon facility; a three-mile long cycle circuit built to international competition standards; a combined competition and training BMX track; a lake stocked with fish for angling; a network of cycle paths connecting to Cambridge and Milton Country Park; and educational and nature trails.

Mick Woolhouse, executive director for Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust, said: "This is hugely exciting news and an important milestone in the development of this fantastic project.

"There is no doubt that achieving this agreement will stand us all in good stead in our efforts to secure the completion of these world-class facilities. The proposed facilities will have local, regional, national and international significance and will bring both sporting and economic benefits."