Buro Happold appointed to growth strategy for Greater Cambridge UK

Image: courtesy of Buro Happold

Buro Happold has been appointed by Cambridge Growth Company (CGC) to develop the vision that will underpin a long-term growth strategy for Greater Cambridge. The CGC’s mission is to support Greater Cambridge in the creation of a delivery programme to bring forward an ambitious vision for long term growth.

The Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook MP appointed Peter Freeman to chair the Cambridge Growth Company in October 2024. The government then committed £10m to the CGC at the 2024 Autumn Statement.

CGC will work collaboratively with locally elected leaders and the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. It will also access support from a number of government departments where required, to pursue infrastructure-led growth.

Buro Happold states:

'The appointment led by Buro Happold and supported by Prior + Partners and a multidisciplinary team marks a significant step towards shaping a sustainable and strategic future for the Greater Cambridge region. The development of the evidence base has commenced as a first step in defining a vision for the future of Greater Cambridge that is sustainable, inclusive and innovative. 

'By drawing on insights into the knowledge economy, infrastructure, housing, employment, transport, and the natural environment, the evidence base will act as a foundation for identifying challenges and opportunities, policy development and a future spatial strategy. Key areas of focus will be overcoming transport congestion and water scarcity.

'With a strong track record in delivering large-scale city strategies, new communities and urban transformation projects, Buro Happold’s contributions will ensure that the evidence base is grounded in data-driven insights, technical analysis and best practices for sustainable growth.'

Justin Phillips, Partner and Project Principal, Buro Happold said: “The growth of Cambridge is critical to the UK economy and retention of a world class leadership of education, life sciences, technology and research. We are excited to support CGC with their ambition to work with the local stakeholders and help accelerate sustainable growth”.

Roger Savage, Project Director, Buro Happold commented: “We look forward to working with local partners on addressing the challenges of the area. In developing the evidence base for the Growth Company we will consider ways which planning for growth can deliver a quality of life dividend for existing and future communities through investment in the environment and infrastructure”. 

Supporting partners include Prior + Partners, BNP Paribas Real Estate, CBA, LUC, Peter Studdert, Turner and Townsend and Womble Bond Dickinson.