Cambridge City Council is asking local people to feed into a new Framework for Change for north Cambridge. The framework for change is a long-term plan to guide investment in the area, looking at older council housing estates, green spaces, streets, shops and community facilities in Arbury, King’s Hedges, and Chesterton.
Work to develop the framework for change is only just starting, but it builds on the principles captured in the recently adopted North Cambridge neighbourhoods Design Code. As a supplementary planning document developed with input from the local community, the Design Code sets out principles for good development in parts of north Cambridge. Meanwhile the framework for change will go further, identifying specific areas for investment and helping to guide how changes happen.
What the framework will focus on
The framework for change will look at four key areas:
- Older council housing estates – understanding what needs fixing or replacing, where homes should be built or improved, and what the council should prioritise
- Parks and green spaces – finding out how people use them, and how to make them better for everyone
- Arbury Court and the surrounding community facilities – exploring opportunities to improve the area for residents
- Streets and travel – looking at how people move around, and how to make that easier and safer.
Cllr Gerri Bird, Executive Councillor for Housing, said: “This is such an exciting opportunity for local people to influence investment in their neighbourhoods right from the start. North Cambridge has strong communities and much-loved spaces, but we know there are areas that feel neglected or under pressure.
“Change can be daunting, so I would like to provide reassurance that we don’t yet have specific plans for north Cambridge. We think the area could benefit from some investment, but we want to work with the local community to develop a framework for change that will mean any investment we make into the area will work for existing communities.
“Please take the time to get involved. We’re asking you what you value, and what needs to change – so that we can make sure to focus investment where it’s needed most.”
Get involved
There are multiple opportunities for people to find out more about the project and to help shape the draft framework for change between now and the closing date on Wednesday 18 June.
Take the online survey any time before 18 June: cambridge.gov.uk/NCF
Attend an event:
- Tuesday 13 May, 5.30 to 7pm, Meadows Community Centre
- Tuesday 27 May, 6.00 to 7.30pm, online webinar
- Wednesday 28 May, 5.30 to 7pm, Arbury Community Centre
- Tuesday 10 June, 5.30 to 7pm, Brown’s Field Community Centre
- Saturday 14 June, 11.00am to 5pm, Arbury Carnival
Register your interest in an event: cambridge.gov.uk/NCFevents
If you have any queries, or would like the survey in any other format, please email NorthCambridge@engagecf.co.uk or telephone 01223 650 550
Next steps
After this engagement programme concludes, the team will develop the first draft of the Framework for Change for north Cambridge which will:
- consider public responses to the consultation
- consider relevant planning objectives and constraints
- identify key issues, challenges and opportunities
- set out high level priorities and options for potential development
- consider the opportunities in the context of the financial constraints faced by the council and the need for schemes to be financially viable.
This draft framework will be published for a second engagement programme which will run in autumn 2025 and conclude by January 2026. And, if the framework is adopted, planning permission will still be required for any proposals covered by the framework.
To stay up to date, visit the North Cambridge Framework for Change page on the council’s consultation platform: cambridge.gov.uk/NCF
