When the government signalled its intention to consult back in October, we welcomed the announcement and set out our view in A Place of National and Global Significance. That publication recognised the area’s many successes, while also being clear that to both realise the area’s immense opportunity and address very real challenges facing Greater Cambridge requires a bold long-term approach and a step change in how infrastructure is planned, coordinated and delivered.
Local authorities and partners have shown what great quality placemaking looks like. Their leadership, experience and close connection to local communities is essential to Greater Cambridge’s success and integral to what we do and how we do it. But delivering sustainable economic growth of national significance demands a delivery model matched to the scale, complexity and long timeframes associated with achieving strategic developments.
That means a whole-system approach - one that combines sustained government commitment and partnership working. It requires the powers, resources and national backing to act decisively; the ability to align public and private investment innovatively; and the capacity to address barriers that have historically slowed progress.
The proposed Development Corporation offers an opportunity to put this approach into practice. With a long-term remit of 25 years or more, it could bring national, regional and local partners together around a shared endeavour, provide greater certainty to investors, and accelerate the delivery of strategic sites and critical infrastructure - building on the substantial work already being taken forward by local authorities to deliver their ambitions for sustainable and inclusive growth.
We recognise that the idea of a centrally led body raises important and understandable questions for communities, particularly around democratic representation and local voice. This is about amplifying local success and what already works well, while recognising the leadership role government can play in helping to deliver high-quality, large-scale development proposals by forward funding and coordinating the major infrastructure communities need.
Now the consultation is underway, it is essential that local voices help shape the right delivery model for long term success. With the right approach, Greater Cambridge can improve everyday outcomes for residents and demonstrate nationally how complex, long-term growth challenges can be addressed through effective partnership.
The Cambridge Growth Company encourages everyone across Greater Cambridge and surrounding areas to take part. For more information on the consultation and how to respond, please visit the government’s consultation webpage here.
Local authorities and partners have shown what great quality placemaking looks like. Their leadership, experience and close connection to local communities is essential to Greater Cambridge’s success and integral to what we do and how we do it. But delivering sustainable economic growth of national significance demands a delivery model matched to the scale, complexity and long timeframes associated with achieving strategic developments.
That means a whole-system approach - one that combines sustained government commitment and partnership working. It requires the powers, resources and national backing to act decisively; the ability to align public and private investment innovatively; and the capacity to address barriers that have historically slowed progress.
The proposed Development Corporation offers an opportunity to put this approach into practice. With a long-term remit of 25 years or more, it could bring national, regional and local partners together around a shared endeavour, provide greater certainty to investors, and accelerate the delivery of strategic sites and critical infrastructure - building on the substantial work already being taken forward by local authorities to deliver their ambitions for sustainable and inclusive growth.
We recognise that the idea of a centrally led body raises important and understandable questions for communities, particularly around democratic representation and local voice. This is about amplifying local success and what already works well, while recognising the leadership role government can play in helping to deliver high-quality, large-scale development proposals by forward funding and coordinating the major infrastructure communities need.
Now the consultation is underway, it is essential that local voices help shape the right delivery model for long term success. With the right approach, Greater Cambridge can improve everyday outcomes for residents and demonstrate nationally how complex, long-term growth challenges can be addressed through effective partnership.
The Cambridge Growth Company encourages everyone across Greater Cambridge and surrounding areas to take part. For more information on the consultation and how to respond, please visit the government’s consultation webpage here.