In response to an enquiry from the media we issued the following response about proposals for regenerating the East Barnwell area of Cambridge.
Cllr Alex Collis, Deputy Leader of Cambridge City Council said: “Cambridge City Council is working with Cambridgeshire County Council on proposals for regenerating the East Barnwell area of Cambridge in order to create a vibrant and sustainable neighbourhood, with priorities including a new community centre, library and pre-school facilities, improved public open spaces, new high quality housing and better walking and cycling routes. We’d love to hear from Cambridge residents and for people to let us know what they think about some of the ideas being proposed.
“Nothing has been decided at this stage but the public’s feedback will help us develop the emerging proposals for the area which are aimed at adapting and enhancing existing space to create a more liveable, accessible and sustainable neighbourhood for local people and visitors, where motorised traffic and space for car parking is not so dominant.
“Back in 2020 and 2021 we asked local people and community groups for their views and ideas on potential changes to improve East Barnwell, and hundreds of responses were received. Many of these ideas and suggestions have now been incorporated into the more developed proposals for regenerating East Barnwell, starting with the central area near the Newmarket Road, Barnwell Road and Wadloes Road roundabout.
“The three sites being consulted on initially are currently taken up by the Abbey Bowls Club, the East Barnwell Community Centre, and the local centre comprising shops, flats and a library.
“The current location of the bowls club could become the site of a new community centre, with a library, pre-school and new public open space, and 60 much-needed and sustainable homes could also potentially be built here. This means that the bowls club and its facilities could be relocated to a new site nearby as part of the Abbey Leisure Centre which could help address some of the concerns raised by the bowls club.
“If residents would like to find out more, have their say, and help shape the future for East Barnwell they can do so at https://thefutureofeastbarnwell.co.uk/ or attend a drop-in event at Christ the Redeemer Church on Newmarket Road from 3pm-7pm next Tuesday 30 August.”
The executive councillor leading on this matter is Cllr Gerri Bird (Labour), Executive Councillor for Housing. Spokespersons for the other political groups on this issue are Cllr Katie Porrer (Liberal Democrat) and Cllr Matthew Howard (Green/Independent Group).
