Working with you

Working in partnership to create a better community

The University of Cambridge set three clear goals as it planned its proposed mixed-use development in the North West of Cambridge:

• to create a development that helped to provide the residential and research accommodation it would need to retain and enhance its worldwide reputation
• to create a development of high standards of design and sustainability
• to engage with its wider communities to help inform and improve the scheme as it emerges

The University has consulted extensively with the local community and other key stakeholders. People have been giving their views on the University’s plans at a series of workshops, exhibitions, briefings, focus groups or through questionnaires and emails to this website.

The feedback received has been invaluable in helping the University to develop a scheme of which the whole community can be proud. Some people were simply seeking further information about specific issues. Others had comments to make in support or opposition to various elements of the scheme. And many suggested constructive proposals to improve the development.

Every comment made has been examined by the relevant members of the professional team and taken into account in the development of the masterplan. Where possible and appropriate the University has responded directly to people to tell them what action we have taken as a result of their comments.

During the University’s extensive consultation it has become clear that there are certain subjects that are of particular importance. Since many people had concerns or comments about the same issues the Project Team thought it would be useful to share the outcome of some of the most commonly asked topics and questions.

In this document the team members have identified the six main areas of interest raised during the consultation. They have outlined the key issues raised in each area and explained how they have responded to them. In some cases they have responded by explaining in more detail how we are proposing to address a particular issue. In others they have made changes to the University’s plans to address specific concerns. There are some occasions where, after examining a suggestion, they have decided that it would not be possible or appropriate to make a particular change, and they explain why this is the case.

The six subject headings are :

• Transport
• Sustainability
• Quality
• Open Spaces
• Other Developments in North West Cambridge
• Other Issues

Full details of all the issues raised during the consultation processes are contained in the two consultation reports which can be found here (2009) and here (2010).

THE FUTURE

This document gives a flavour of the wide range of issues raised by the University’s neighbours and key internal and external stakeholders. The project has been enriched and enhanced by the very constructive proposals made by the many different people who have an interest in the development and the identification of issues that are important to them.

Where possible these have been incorporated and addressed as the masterplan has evolved over the past few years. The University is very grateful for the time invested by so many people in ensuring that it creates a community of which everyone in Cambridge can be proud.

Construction is due to be phased over twenty years to meet the University’s requirements as they evolve. The University looks forward to continuing its very constructive dialogue with all those who wish to see this new community succeed.