From a retailing perspective, with the steady increase in on-line shopping, our customers have tremendous choice and no town or city, however beautiful can afford to be complacent. Our challenge is to ensure that all those who use our city have a positive, quality experience, which encourages them to stay longer, spend more and come back soon.
Current challenges for Cambridge
Cambridge is going to see significant growth over the next 10 years which whilst exciting, presents real challenges. This will need careful management to ensure that the infrastructure and transport system copes with the increase and that the quality of the environment is not compromised.
The development of Grand Arcade and Christ’s Lane will improve the whole circuit of the retail area of Cambridge, but the city needs to ensure that all the main areas – including those offering shopping, entertainment, eating and drinking and relaxation – are linked together with effective signposting.
Particularly important is the linkage to the historic core with its fabulous array of independent shops. After all, it is these businesses which are unique to Cambridge, add local distinctiveness and set us apart from competing destinations.
Current City Centre Management challenges
We have recently conducted a successful business forum in Cambridge which brought together nearly 90 stakeholders to exchange their views of priority areas for the city over the next 10 years. This approach of finding out what really matters to people living and working in the city, has highlighted a range of projects across the main areas of City Centre Management activity, which are:
- Marketing, events and communications
- Transport and access
- City centre environment
- Safe and secure