'Science Cities' Cambridge this September on the UK government predictions for growth

Image: The Bradfield Centre, Cambridge Science Park - courtesy Aukett Swanke.

Future Cities Forum is being hosted by the Cambridge Science Park at the Bradfield Centre this September, for its autumn 'Science Cities' discussion event. The Director of the CSP, Jane Hutchins, will be speaking.

Jane joined our recent forum in Oxford describing the development of Cambridge Science Park but also on her concerns for infrastructure support. She said:

The park is 150 acres, 60 buildings, 170 companies ranging from tiny start-ups to the likes of Microsoft. Traditionally people see Cambridge as being life sciences in the south - on the Biomedical Campus - and technology companies to the north, on the Cambridge Science Park. That has changed. We almost have a 50 / 50 split between life sciences and technology and the disciplines are blurring with convergence.

'In the pandemic five new buildings - some by Scott Brownrigg - replaced numerous old sheds and structures, which is part of the regeneration investment by our owner Trinity College Cambridge. The UK government is on board but the economic growth comes with real challenges on providing the supporting infrastructure. However, we are wedded to making this growth inclusive and the park is open to pedestrians and cyclists. The whole of our quarter of Cambridge is poised for significant growth and this is partly predicated on moving the waste water treatment site, but the DCO has been deferred until April. This is holding up growth.'

'Somebody said to me 'Cambridge is a safe place to set up a risky business'. There are lots of new businesses being formed - some from Arm, some from AstraZeneca, others from the University and outside - and we have four buildings dedicated to that stage of development, curated for support. Out latest building - plot 440 - has been designed with scaling businesses in mind.'.

The forum will look at how the UK government wants to develop infrastructure for the OxCam Arc with East West Rail connections to Oxford, Milton Keynes and Cambridge. It announced last week:

'to go “further and faster” to kick start the economy, as the Chancellor of the Exchequer unveils new plans to deliver the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor that will boost the UK economy by up to £78 billion by 2035 according to industry experts.'

It stated:

• The Environment Agency has lifted its objections to a new development around Cambridge that could unlock 4,500 new homes and associated community spaces such as schools and leisure facilities as well as office and laboratory space in Cambridge City Centre. This was only possible as a result of the government working closely with councils and regulators to find creative solutions to unlock growth and address environmental pressures.

• That the government has agreed for water companies to unlock £7.9bn investment for the next 5 years to improve our water infrastructure and provide a foundation for growth. This includes nine new reservoirs, such as the new Fens Reservoir serving Cambridge and the Abingdon Reservoir near Oxford.

• Confirming funding towards better transport links in the region including funding for East-West Rail, with new services between Oxford and Milton Keynes this year and upgrading the A428 to reduce journey times between Milton Keynes and Cambridge.

• Prioritisation of a new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital as part of the New Hospitals Programme bringing together Cambridge University, Addenbrookes Hospital and Cancer Research UK.

• Support for the development of new and expanded communities in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor and a new East Coast Mainline station in Tempsford, to expand the region’s economy.

• That she welcomes Cambridge University’s proposal for a new large scale innovation hub in the city centre. As the world’s leading science and tech cluster by intensity, Cambridge will play a crucial part in the government’s modern Industrial Strategy.

• A new Growth Commission for Oxford, inspired by the Cambridge model, to review how best we can unlock and accelerate nationally significant growth for the city and surrounding area.

• Appointment of Sir Patrick Vallance as Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor Champion to provide senior leadership to ensure the Government’s ambitions are delivered. 

Future Cities Forum will be discussing these predictions with leaders in the science cities field along with government on the future growth of the OxCam Arc.