The University of Cambridge asked AECOM to create a new extension to the City, one that was ambitious, long-lasting and offers a high quality of lifestyle for both the academic and non-academic communities alike. The importance that landscape planning and design brought to the team was recognised early on by the University. Entrenched within the masterplanning team, our landscape architects were there from the beginning crafting and helping define principles, preparing clear design guidance and development codes, and supporting the submission of planning applications for the North West Cambridge Development (NWCD). The University of Cambridge was driven to push the sustainability boundaries on a development this size, aiming to achieve BREEAM Excellent and Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5 for which the landscape would make a considerable contribution. The aim was to create an exciting, locally distinctive, and sustainable neighbourhood that meets the aspirations of the University, as well as setting a benchmark for local landscape planning. As the landscape infrastructure played a critical role, there was a considerable amount of time spent researching best practice across the globe that could help substantiate our innovative solutions. The landscape team participated in multiple events with both stakeholders and the community to ensure that their feedback and ideas were incorporated early into the design process so that in the end these it felt like a collaborative effort. The clarity of the process and development of a shared vision, together with the documentation and presentations that were put together to discuss and communicate ideas, made this complex journey a lot smoother as all parties felt included. The end result was positive and very productive.