Cambridge United, The Hill Group, and the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation have agreed to work in partnership to explore the feasibility of a new stadium at the Cambridge East/Marshalls site as part of the current masterplan process, without commitment from any party. This stage of work will start now and conclude by Easter 2027...
This follows several positive meetings between all three parties over recent months. The club commissioned a report by Deloitte this summer, which looked at the potential opportunity for a new stadium in Cambridge, alongside examples of successful stadium-led placemaking projects from across the UK and internationally.
The report concluded that, in this generational moment for Cambridge with the city set to grow significantly over coming decades, there is a real opportunity for a new stadium for both Cambridge United and the city more widely. It could not only provide a platform for the club's future ambitions but also act as a catalyst for a new quarter of Cambridge, bringing significant economic and community benefits.
Richard Arnold of Wrenbridge Sport is being formally appointed as Stadium Adviser and will work with teams across all three organisations. Richard brings deep professional experience of stadium projects (London 2012, Brentford, Murrayfield) and has helped the club over many years on exploring different development schemes. He is a lifelong Cambridge United fan and Season Ticket Holder.
Godric Smith, Chair of Cambridge United, said:
"We all love the magical place that is the Cledara Abbey Stadium, however with sell-out crowds and an ageing stadium which significantly limits the club financially, it has become clearer than ever that our long-term future likely lies elsewhere.
"We own the ground and would ideally redevelop if that were feasible, but multiple studies over many months have shown how difficult that would be and we don’t want to put a cap on our ambitions as a club.
"Since we paused those plans earlier this year, we have been engaging very actively with senior leaders and partners across the city to best understand the potential opportunities a new stadium could unlock, not only for the club, but also for other parties and the wider community. With Cambridge set to grow significantly, it is clear there is a lot of alignment and shared interest.
"We are very grateful to Peter Freeman, Chair of the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation, and to Andy Hill, Chair of the Hill Group for their willingness to move to this next stage of detailed work together on the Cambridge East site, without commitment from any party.
"I would also like to thank Paul Bristow, the Mayor of the Combined Authority, and Bridget Smith and Katie Thornburrow, the leaders of South Cambs and Cambridge Councils, whose time, positive engagement and encouragement have been hugely appreciated over recent months. We are also very pleased that Richard Arnold has agreed to take on this role as Stadium Adviser.
"I would like to underline three things to our fantastic fans. First, we are deliberately doing this differently. Unlike previous attempts to explore relocation, our starting point is to consider what a new stadium could bring to the club, as well as to the Cambridge of the future - and then better understand the economic model that could best work for all parties to make it happen.
"We are collectively looking at a potential new site around a mile away from the Cledara Abbey Stadium. Our working assumption is for a new stadium with a 15,000 capacity, but we are open-minded and a long way from having any indicative designs.
"Second, this would clearly take time. The Cambridge East site will not be vacated until 2029 so we can expect to be playing at the Cledara Abbey for the best part of the next decade regardless of any potential relocation. Our investment plans to improve the current matchday experience will continue.
"Third, and perhaps most importantly, we do appreciate how much this matters to every fan. I have personally been watching Cambridge United at the Abbey for the best part of 50 years. It is the only home all of us have ever known. We will guard our proud heritage and would fully engage with fans on how best we might do that.
"Whilst there will be nothing further to say until this phase of work has concluded, we give a commitment to keep fans updated every step of the way going forward. There would be a full consultation on any potential move, should we get to that point, as we know how important this is to everyone associated with Cambridge United."
Peter Freeman, Chair of the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation, said:
"It is our stated ambition to help make Cambridge the most liveable city in Europe by 2050. We know both how important sport and wellbeing are to that, as well as the significant part that Cambridge United plays on and off the pitch as one of the city's biggest civic institutions.
"My team will be engaging positively over the coming months to see whether and how a new stadium for Cambridge United can potentially support imaginative community-led placemaking at the Cambridge East site.
"There is a lot of hard work ahead to see if it can happen, and whilst there is no commitment from any party, we are very supportive of the club's desire to do even more on and off the pitch - United for Cambridge."
Andy Hill, Chair of the Hill Group, said:
"When we bought the Marshalls site earlier this year, I said I was keen to explore potential relocation for Cambridge United. Over recent months we have had a number of positive meetings with the club, including with majority owner Paul Barry over the summer, and it is clear there is a lot of common interest and shared ambition.
"We are currently working on a masterplan for the whole site which we would hope to finish by the end of next year. We will now work in partnership with the club to explore what might be feasible and, crucially, how and whether a new stadium could be at the heart of the new Cambridge East. We are all doing this without any commitment from any party but with a shared desire to try to make it work for all parties if we can."
Paul Bristow, Mayor of the Combined Authority, said:
"The Cambridge East site is an exciting new chapter in the city and the region's future. A new stadium for Cambridge United could be part of that future, and I shall give this my enthusiastic support.
“Cambridge's growth could be mirrored by the growth and success of the football team. World-class cities deserve thriving football clubs with first-class stadiums and facilities. If this can be achieved at Cambridge East, then let's get behind it."
Bridget Smith, Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, said:
"Cambridge United is a huge part of our region's identity, bringing people together and playing an important role in the life of communities across Cambridge, South Cambridgeshire and beyond.
"The club deserves a home that matches its ambitions, supports its long-term future and provides the best possible experience for fans. It's really encouraging to see progress being made in exploring how that might be achieved. There's still a lot to work through, but I truly hope Cambridge United can find the future home that the club and its fans deserve.
"A new stadium at Cambridge East could bring real benefits not just for the club and its supporters, but for the people who will make their homes there and for communities across our region. I'm excited to see how these discussions develop."
Katie Thornburrow, Leader of Cambridge City Council, said:
"One of the best parts of my job in Cambridge is seeing how good design, sport and local community work can make our neighbourhoods better places to live. Recently, I've been learning more about Cambridge United and the great work they do across our area.
"As Cambridge East grows into a major new part of the city, plans for a new stadium offer an exciting opportunity. This is about far more than football. It is a chance to build a new quarter of the city in a way that creates welcoming community spaces and helps people feel connected.
"I am especially pleased to see the club, local councils and other parties working together so constructively as they explore whether the project is possible. If we focus on good design, green standards, and accessible and attractive public spaces, this stadium could become a fantastic asset for the club, the city and the wider community, and a real focal point for east Cambridge."
Debbie Prentice, Vice Chancellor of Cambridge University, said:
“Cambridge is the birthplace of modern football and the partnership we have with Cambridge United around the women’s team at Grange Road is an important part of our civic engagement. We fully support the club in its ambitions to do even more for the city, on and off the pitch and hope that this new stadium project can be made a reality in the wider future interest of Cambridge.”
Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University, said:
“As strong supporters of Cambridge United we are pleased that the club is engaging with partners on its potential long-term future in such a positive way. There is the chance here to do something genuinely impactful and transformative not just for Cambridge United, but for the city and community more widely.”
