Funding bid to unlock Cambridge Northern Fringe East development moves forward

Funding bid to unlock Cambridge Northern Fringe East development moves forward

Government has today (Wednesday 21st March 2018) announced that a bid for £193m of Housing Infrastructure Funding (HIF) from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority has taken an important step forward to co-development stage.

The funding would be used to unlock the last large-scale brownfield regeneration opportunity on the edge of Cambridge, at Cambridge Northern Fringe East (CNFE). The bid was submitted by the Combined Authority, working with Cambridge City Council, Anglian Water and other key partners, with support from our local MPs, last year.

The redevelopment of the CNFE site, located close to the new Cambridge North Railway Station, has the potential to unlock the delivery of up to 7,600 new homes and over 7,000 new jobs in North East Cambridge, supported by amenities and community facilities in a vibrant mixed-use development.

The funding would primarily be used to relocate the existing Anglian Water Cambridge Water Recycling Centre. Without funding to support this relocation, the site cannot be developed.

James Palmer, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said:

“Cambridge Northern Fringe East is an incredibly important development site for our local area. As the final major brownfield regeneration site on the edge of Cambridge, it holds the potential to deliver thousands of much-needed new homes and new jobs for the local area. Which is why we are delighted to hear that our bid has progressed to the next stage of co-development with Government.

“Being located close to Cambridge North railway station, the site already has fantastic public transport links, and would be an outstanding example of the Combined Authority’s ability to secure funds to unlock previously stalled sites in our area. Of course, we are taking nothing for granted, and will be working hard with our partners and Government to ensure that our bid is a success to ensure we can turn these plans into a reality.”

Councillor Lewis Herbert, Leader of Cambridge City Council, added:

“It is great news to have Government support for Cambridge and the Combined Authority to develop in full detail our plans to create an outstanding new community of up to 7,600 homes and extra jobs in North East Cambridge, and to ensure it integrates well with residents and employment in adjacent areas and connects and supports growth across the county.

“The City Council recently agreed an extra £799,000 for project development over the next two years, including consultation on a new Area Action Plan and detailed strategy with residents and key organisations. This latest decision enables us to accelerate that work to give us the best possible chance of securing the £193m in national funding which is vital for delivery.”

Stephen Kelly, Director of Planning for South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridge City Council, added:

“This significant brownfield regeneration opportunity identified by both councils could deliver thousands of high quality and well connected new homes and jobs. The announcement by Government is a positive step forward as we seek to demonstrate the national importance of investment in this site. We look forward to working with the Government to secure the national investment.”

The Government has confirmed that the Housing Infrastructure Fund bid has been shortlisted to move forward to co-development stage, where Government officials will work with the team to further develop the bid and assess the project further. A final decision on the funding is expected in autumn 2018.