Government sets out its "Case for Cambridge"

New homes, labs, and trams are all on the cards as the government outlines plans for Cambridge.

Following the Chancellor's budget speech on Wednesday 6 March 2024, the government released a 38 page document setting out its "Case for Cambridge", including confirming plans to build a "major new urban quarter".

The government announced plans last year to see more laboratory space and 150,000 new homes built in the Greater Cambridge area, as part of its "Cambridge 2040" ambitions to make the city the "Silicon Valley of Europe".

This latest document discusses what Cambridge could look like by 2050.

The report said housing in the city was less affordable than most other major cities and also said it was experiencing an "acute shortage" of laboratory space:

"In Cambridge there is a unique opportunity to harness future economic growth to pay for the new infrastructure needed to grow the city and increase the quality of life for residents.

"The development corporation for Cambridge, once established, will receive a long-term funding settlement at the next spending review.

"This will allow the corporation to start delivering on the government’s plan to unleash the economic potential of the city."

Photo: Cambridge city centre

Major new urban quarter

The government has made reference before to its aim of creating a new urban quarter for Cambridge.

This plan has been confirmed in the latest report where it says the government is "examining major new urban quarter opportunities".

However, the papers provided no further information as to where the new urban quarter could be built, stating that no decisions on the location had yet been made.

First priority is water scarcity

The issue of water scarcity and being able to supply new developments with water sustainably is already present in the area.

The Environment Agency has recently objected to some new developments going ahead, until the water supply concerns are addressed.

In its "Case for Cambridge" the government said water scarcity is its "first priority", recognising it is "holding back development and risks causing environmental harm".

Improving transport

The report said "to deliver the step-change in capacity and connectivity this ambition requires, the government envisages a transport system made up of several elements, which may range from improved walking and cycling routes to mass transit system options, such as trams and light rail."

The government has also committed to delivering East West Rail in the new report, which it said will improve connectivity to "other innovation and economic centres".

It also said it will ensure Cambridge Biomedical Campus has the right public transport links and said it will be providing £7.2million to "progress connectivity schemes".

Photo: Cambridge city centre

What happens next?

The government has said the Cambridge Delivery Group is currently "reaching out and listening" to authorities in the area, as well as communities and stakeholders.

The report said the group will be setting up an advisory council in order to "build local representation into its governance framework".

It added that the government will be moving forward with its plans to establish a development corporation, which it said will oversee the long-term works and coordination to "realise Cambridge’s full potential".