Cambridge Layout is perhaps one of the oldest developments in Bangalore and is in the very heart of the CBD. It was once the stronghold of the British regime in the city. It can be approached from three main sectors – HAL Road, Indiranagar and Ulsoor. A large part of Cambridge Layout once comprised defence-based residences. It was only later that general residential apartments came up.
Home to commercial set-ups
What first began as a residential area has now taken on the hues of mixed development. Most of the main roads of Cambridge Layout are home to commercial set-ups, all primarily housed on Third Main Road. These are largely stand-alone stores and eateries. The interior roads are completely residential with numerous apartment complexes being located here. These homes range from mid-budget to the premium section. The layout stretches across three main roads and eight cross roads and first started developing in the 1980s. One of the main landmarks in this area is the Shirdi Sai Baba temple, a bustling hub for the area. Some of the main areas surrounding Cambridge Layout are Domlur, Command Hospital area, Ulsoor, Indiranagar and Lakshmipura.
Easy movement
Connectivity is not an issue with the CBD, thanks to the three main approaches that it has. With the arrival of Namma Metro rail at Indiranagar, movement across the city has become a lot easier. The roads of this layout are small and not envisaged to hold the kind of traffic that it does today. Despite this, traffic is not very heavy and stagnant but has slowed down mainly near temples that have devotees flocking the area.
The water table in the area is good and there is ample supply for the BWSSB. Electricity too is not much of an issue here. While appreciating the efforts that have gone into the area, one issue that does not miss anybody’s eye are the open storm water drains that have increased the mosquito menace too. Garbage disposal issues are currently the same as across the city. Cambridge Layout has several good schools and hospitals in the vicinity along with several commercial and retail outlets.
The scope for development here however is very limited with only a few if any empty plots being available now besides old bungalows coming up for commercial development. The rental market for both residences as well as commercial/retail establishments, however, is good here.
Rate chart
Commercial rental (office space) – Rs. 45-Rs. 60 per sq. ft
Commercial purchase – Rs.8,000-Rs.10,000 per sq. ft
Residential purchase – Rs.7,000-Rs.10,000 per sq. ft
Residential rental – 2BHK: Rs.15,000-Rs.18,000 per sq. ft; 3BHK: Rs.22,000-Rs. 28,000 per sq. ft.
