The Government's announcement of a new Development Corporation for Greater Cambridge marks an important moment for one of the UK's most significant centres of innovation, research and economic growth.
Over the past 18 months, Prior + Partners has partnered with Buro Happold to support the work of the Cambridge Growth Company, helping to bring together the evidence and strategic thinking informing the future of Greater Cambridge.
The decision comes at a time of growing momentum across the region. Alongside plans for Cambridge East, where Homes England and Hill Group are bringing forward proposals for more than 10,000 homes, it reflects a renewed focus on how growth, infrastructure and investment can be coordinated to support Greater Cambridge’s long-term success.
The creation of the Development Corporation represents an important step towards turning that ambition into delivery.
A wider story across the Oxford-Cambridge Corridor
For many years, the Oxford-Cambridge Corridor has been recognised as one of the UK’s most important economic opportunities.
Recent announcements in Cambridge, alongside investment in infrastructure, housing and employment growth across the region, suggest increasing momentum behind plans for the Corridor. The focus is now turning to how those ambitions are delivered in practice.
Through our work supporting aspects of East West Rail, we have explored how strategic infrastructure investment can help unlock sustainable growth, supporting new homes, employment opportunities, environmental enhancement and better-connected communities.
In Oxfordshire, we led the early promotion of Salt Cross Garden Village, helping secure the allocation of a new settlement of up to 2,200 homes alongside schools, community facilities, 40 ha employment space and supporting infrastructure. We continue to work with West Oxfordshire District Council as the project moves forward to delivery.
We have also supported growth planning and promotion work in Milton Keynes, contributing to discussions around the next phase in the evolution of one of the UK’s most significant New Towns.
Taken together, these projects, alongside the latest announcement in Greater Cambridge, form part of a wider story about the future of the Oxford-Cambridge Corridor.
