Cambridge Pub Associated with Pink Floyd Saved from Demolition Amid Office Development

The Flying Pig pub in Cambridge, known as the birthplace of Pink Floyd, has been saved from demolition but will be overshadowed by a £500 million office development nearby. The new building, named 1 Botanic Place, is set to reach a height of 32 meters (105 feet), significantly taller than the pub, which dates back to at least 1844. Former landlady Justine Hatfield expressed concerns about the impact of the new development, stating that only about 20 percent of the pub remains as it once was, with significant changes to the property and its surroundings. The pub has historical significance, as Syd Barrett, a founding member of Pink Floyd, met future guitarist David Gilmour there. The Flying Pig, which became a popular venue for live music, was preserved due to public demand, with a petition against its demolition gathering 14,500 signatures. Developers Pace Investments have redesigned their plans to retain the pub, which is expected to reopen in early 2028 after refurbishment. The site was acquired by Railpen, with Socius managing the development of the Botanic Place scheme. A new planning application has been submitted to make further alterations to the pub's structure, which is currently undergoing internal bracing with steel during construction.