Growth, transport and the region’s future on the agenda at first Cambridge Mayor’s Question Time

Mayor Paul Bristow took questions directly from residents on growth, transport, new development, and the future of Cambridge and the region at his first Mayor’s Question Time held in the city.

Held at the Guildhall, on Thursday 25 June, and hosted by the Cambridge Independent’s Paul Brackley, members of the public submitted questions in advance and from the floor on the night, covering a wide range of topics including the region’s growth ambitions, buses and rail, Mill Road, and the proposed Forest City development on the Cambridgeshire-Suffolk border. 

The Mayor set out his priorities for Cambridge and the wider region, including the role of major projects such as Cambridge South station which opened to passengers on Sunday. The Combined Authority’s work on bus franchising, the Mass Rapid Transit study looking at new transport infrastructure like light rail, and the region’s Local Growth Plan, which aims to triple the size of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough economy by 2050, were raised. 

Questions also touched on the resilience of local infrastructure, including water supply and energy, with the Mayor discussing the importance of a new Spatial Development Strategy to better plan growth around infrastructure. 

A Mayor’s Question Time was held earlier this year in Peterborough and further events will be organised around the region. 

Paul Bristow said: “There’s nothing like getting out and hearing from residents directly. It’s the best way to understand what really matters in our communities. 

“This is a pivotal time in Cambridge and the region’s future and that came through with the range of questions including growth, buses, trains, infrastructure, standards of living, the environment and even things like Forest City all on the agenda.  

“Mayor’s Question Time is about being open, accessible and accountable and I look forward to more events around the region during my time as Mayor.”

An audio recording of the event can be listened to here: Mayor’s Question Time – Cambridge, June 25th 2026