The bid covers the city of Cambridge and immediate parts South Cambridgeshire. Cambridge is one of 30 cities and urban areas to be awarded grants for feasibility studies by the government-backed Technology Strategy Board, taking them through to the next stage of the competition.
In January 2013, one successful city will be awarded £24m funding to implement their proposal as a ’Future Cities Demonstrator’ - showing how the city’s multiple systems can be integrated to help meet the challenges they face.
The Cambridge Future City project will explore how modern technology can be used to enhance people’s lives by sustaining business and housing growth, and improving transport and energy efficiency.
For example, significant improvements can be achieved by integrating transport systems to move people around better, using systems that reduce energy use through smart meters and sensors and connecting people better through digital technology.
Local authorities are already working together with partners to bring superfast and ultrafast broadband to the wider region under the Connecting Cambridgeshire project. The Future Cities research study will support this by planning new systems and digital applications that can use improved infrastructure, with a particular focus on the urban core of Cambridge.
The detailed study will also be supported by Cambridge's high tech community including both universities, civic and business communities.
Cllr Tim Bick, Leader of Cambridge City Council, said: “Cambridge could be less congested, more vibrant and better connected as a result of this exciting project. We are delighted to have been awarded the funding and to be working together with our partner authorities, universities and businesses to develop our vision for the city.”
“It means we can explore new ways to ensure we have a good local economy and excellent quality of life, whilst reducing our environmental footprint and increasing resilience to environmental change.”
Cllr Nick Clarke, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “This is an opportunity for us to harness the huge pool of technological talent and innovation we have in Cambridge. Our businesses will be able to test new solutions for connecting the city’s systems, helping to boost the economy, as well as improving people’s lives.
“This project is underpinned by our commitment to Connecting Cambridgeshire with a faster and better broadband infrastructure, which is vital for our businesses and communities to thrive in a digital world.”
Cllr Ray Manning, Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “We welcome this opportunity to explore new ways to use technology to support high quality, modern lifestyles and change the way we offer quality services.
“Better connections and more integrated systems would mean South Cambridgeshire residents living in the urban areas around the city will be able to work remotely, reduce their transport costs and live in more energy efficient, affordable homes.”
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