Cambridge Council develops proposals for civic quarter

Cambridge City Council is shaping up its proposals for the city’s civic quarter, consisting of the Guildhall, Corn Exchange, Market Square and surrounding public spaces, following an engagement programme during the summer. The move comes as part of the council’s wider plans to balance its budget, with capital of £55m expected to be allocated to support the project. The proposals include opening up the Guildhall (pictured below) through the introduction of a shared ground-floor lobby with improved natural lighting and a café for the public, council staff and commercial tenants. The plans also include creating space for a cultural attraction, with the Museum of Cambridge considering a potential relocation to the Guildhall. The council’s offices, meanwhile, will be consolidated, with staff being moved from Mandela House to the Guildhall, with further commercial office space in the building to become available to let. For the Corn Exchange, the council has proposed to increase event capacity to 2,000 and to get as close to net zero as possible within the building’s heritage constraints. Elsewhere, the plans feature the transformation of the Parson’s Court passageway next to the Corn Exchange into a pedestrianised breakout space with food and drink offerings. The council is also looking to redevelop Market Square, introducing an accessible shared surface to prioritise pedestrians. A lightweight canopy is also proposed to cover approximately half of the market, providing storage for permanent traders and offering covered seating for the public. The other half would be available for additional trading during weekends and busier months, with demountable stalls, providing flexible space for occasional events. Simon Smith, executive councillor for finance and resources, said: “We are seeking to secure the long-term viability of the Guildhall, Market Square and Corn Exchange for heritage and environmental sustainability, with a range of public, commercial and cultural uses. “The largest investment will be for the Guildhall, so we can reduce the council’s operating costs and generate commercial income to protect frontline services.” The proposals are lined up for approved at the council’s strategy and resources scrutiny committee next week. If approved, a procurement process will take place for the appointment of a contractor by spring 2025, with a planning submission targeted in late summer 2025. View market analytics for Cambridge >> Images © Cambridge City Council