Council announces major city centre redevelopment plans
The proposed changes aim at making the city centre more accessible to tourists
Cambridge City Council have announced plans to revamp Cambridge’s city centre, in an attempt to make the area more attractive to tourists.
Sites including the Corn Exchange, Guildhall, and Market Square have been identified as particular areas for improvement.
The council have also launched an engagement programme, running until July 28, aimed at collecting residents’ opinions of the historic sites of the city centre and their suggestions for potential improvement.
The project is aiming to make the Market Square a more attractive and accessible space for all, turn the Corn Exchange into a more modern venue, and turning the Guildhall into a “hub for local democracy”.
The Guildhall is the building used for City Council governance, as well as community events and some University examinations
Residents have been invited to give their opinion through online surveys, community workshops, and at pop-up events on the streets aimed at collecting passersby’s opinions.
Some proposed changes have been the creation of a rooftop pavilion on the Guildhall, and improving the food and drink options on sale at the Corn Exchange.
2024 marks the 800th anniversary of the Guildhall site as a seat of local government and 2025 will mark the 150th anniversary of the Corn Exchange.
Cambridge City Council’s Development Assistant Director, Ben Binns said: “We are right at the start of this process and while we have lots of exciting ideas, we need local people to tell us how we can make these spaces better for everyone to enjoy.”
“These historic sites need care and attention, so while we are investing in preserving them, we also want to make sure we’re making them fit for a 21st century society,” he continued.
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