Feedback published about Cambridge city centre plans

Feedback has been published about upgrades to the Cambridge Civic Quarter

Members of the public have been having their say over the future look and feel of the Guildhall, Corn Exchange and Market Square.

Cambridge City Council set out several aims, including:

• Making the Guildhall a net zero carbon building where people can participate in local democracy
• Improving accessibility across the sites
• Upgrading the Corn Exchange with better acoustics and AV systems, more food and drink options, and energy efficiency upgrades
• Plans to keep the seven day market while creating more space for people and events.

For the Corn Exchange:

Feedback identified a desire for better acoustics for speaking and music events. There were criticisms about inaccessible and uncomfortable seating, and request for ground-floor toilets and better access for those with a disability. The entrance was described as 'dark and unwelcoming', and suggestions were received about creating a more transparent entrance design to make it feel more inviting.

The Guildhall:

Feedback included encouraging of community usage ranging from libraries and cafes, to free seating areas, and affordable spaces for non-profit and community groups to hire. There was positive and negative feedback regarding the hotel proposal, with some respondents showing support for a rooftop pavilion, especially if it was open to all and not just hotel guests. Suggestions that the Guildhall could be a more open-plan design with better visibility from the outside, less formal interiors and more comfortable seating, with modern and sustainable features such as solar panels being a recurring theme were also made.

Public Spaces:

Residents identified a desire for an overarching transport strategy. Pedestrianisation with limited vehicular access in public areas, including bicycles and delivery mopeds, was mentioned, and improvements to the cycle route around the Corn Exchange were proposed. Other suggestions included cycling infrastructure such as bike parking, a new cycle hub, improved roads, and restrictions on mopeds. There were also calls for integrating sustainable and environmentally friendly features across the civic quarter area to align with the council’s carbon reduction goals. Introduction of features such as greenery and reuse of materials was also popular.

The feedback has been shared at two events held on Wednesday 9 October – the Civic Quarter Liaison Group and a meeting with Cambridge Market traders.

The design team are now refining their ideas, ahead of providing updated proposals on 11 November for councillors to consider.

Councillor Simon Smith, Cambridge City Executive Cllr for Finance and Resources:

“Investing in these historic sites is an important thing to do, but it also gives us an opportunity to reduce our overheads and generate income. We are facing the same budget pressures as councils up and down the country, so we are taking a long-term view and ensuring we can balance our budget while also looking after these local landmarks.

“We have been eager to hear from local people how these spaces could be improved and I’m delighted with the level of engagement over the summer. Thank you to the 900+ respondents who shared your thoughts with us, making this the highest number of responses received since launching our new online engagement platform. 

“These comments have been really encouraging, broadly endorsing our ambitions while also providing valuable insights and suggestions which can be carried forward into the detailed design stage.

“We are committed to working closely with market traders to ensure a prosperous future for the seven-day market. Thanks to all traders who have engaged with us. Please be assured that we want to continue to involve you on ways to limit the impact any future working could have on your businesses”.