The joint issues and options report for Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council sets out how the near-kilometre square area could be transformed to continue Greater Cambridge’s economic success story.
Redeveloping the area as another gateway to the city has been considered by local councils for over 10 years, but the proposed new railway station being built is a game changer and steps up the opportunity to move plans forward.
Options suggested for consultation would see an employment-led redevelopment of the area situated south of the A14, east of Milton Road, and west of the Cambridge to King’s Lynn railway in the north of the city, promoted.
The site, known as Cambridge Northern Fringe East, could also include a mixture of commercial space, housing, and community facilities, as well as the proposed new railway station, public transport interchange and extension to the Guided Busway.
Subject to agreement by councillors over the coming weeks, a public consultation to look into the issues and possible options for regeneration will begin on Monday 8 December.
The consultation will give people the chance to have their say on all aspects of the project, including the focus of what land should be used for, the name of the proposed new railway station and what the new development area itself will be called.
Councillors on the Joint Strategic Transport & Spatial Strategy Group will consider the report on Tuesday 28 October before recommending a draft plan for consultation to Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District councils.
Cambridge City Council’s Development Plan Scrutiny Sub-Committee will consider this on 11 November and South Cambridgeshire District Council’s planning portfolio will be asked to agree the details of the consultation at his meeting on Tuesday 18 November.
Cllr Kevin Blencowe, Cambridge City Council’s Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Transport, said: “The regeneration of the Cambridge Northern Fringe East is a significant project and it’s important we consult widely to ensure it is properly integrated with the rest of Cambridge. This area has the potential to provide significant employment and housing opportunities for residents in years to come. But with the building of the proposed new station and transport interchange, we also have the opportunity to ensure it serves the needs of the city as a whole and visitors.”
Cllr Robert Turner, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s cabinet member for planning, said: “The new railway station represents a huge opportunity to regenerate this area which will provide a vibrant gateway for the area and help continue our economic success story into the future. The starting point for any plan of this scale is to put some options in front of local people to get their input as early as possible. Our minds are very open at this stage and in time we will look forward to seeing how people think we should plan for the future.”
The comments from the issues and option consultation will help shape an Area Action Plan. This will then be consulted on by both councils next autumn.
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