Flying Pig to be restored in Botanic Place development

Following the introduction of new concrete foundations to enhance and future-proof the building’s structural integrity, the latest work will see the removal of the rear modern extensions only, which formerly housed the pub’s kitchen, pool table room and customer bathrooms. A new kitchen and customer bathrooms will be re-installed as part of the new lower ground area. 

The historic façade, including the former lounge and bar area, is being retained, and will be protected throughout the course of construction at Botanic Place and relaunched as a public house as soon as it is safe to do so.

Parminder Singh, Development Director at Railpen, said: “Since acquiring the Botanic Place site, we have committed to protecting and restoring the historic Flying Pig public house. We recognise the historical and cultural importance of the building, and we are pleased to have moved into the next phase of works to reopen the pub. 

“As we progress on our journey to welcoming people back, we will be undertaking various stages of works and will continue to keep the community informed every step of the way.”

As previously reported, Railpen appointed Skanska UK as the main contractor for Botanic Place, for which the restored and renovated Flying Pig will form an integral part of the development. 

Located next to Cambridge University’s Botanic Garden, Botanic Place has been designed by Stirling prize winning architect, AHMM. It includes two buildings intended for use as office headquarters for national and international businesses, and both will deliver market-defining quality, amenity, and experience.

Skanska has signed a contract worth £199 million with Railpen for construction and mechanical and electrical engineering services for the commercial office development.

The Botanic Place project is part of an overall investment by Railpen worth £242m. The two-building development will create approximately 31,000 square meters (c333,000 sq ft) of workspace. Construction is expected to be completed by early 2028.

As well as the office buildings and the restored Flying Pig, the development will feature new public spaces and landscaped gardens inspired by the adjacent Botanic Garden, all of which will be available for both private and communal activities. Skanska 

Botanic Place is the largest speculative office development to start in the South East this year and is one of Railpen’s 11 assets in its 1.9m sq ft Cambridge innovation cluster portfolio, and the second to break ground, following the start of construction of Mill Yard, its £180 million, 180,000 sq ft mixed-use campus adjacent to Cambridge train station and the city’s vibrant Mill Road.