Plans developing for north Cambridge with £80 million investment and 400 plus new homes

Image: courtesy of Cambridge City Council

The current plans for Cambridge City Council's investment of £80 million in north Cambridge have been developed following an earlier round of engagement in May/June 2025 to help create the council’s North Cambridge Framework for Change.

This is its corporate vision for north Cambridge which sets out the council’s long-term plan for investment in Arbury, King’s Hedges and Chesterton. 

The council says hundreds of people responded to its survey or took part in engagement events and conversations and this feedback has directly influenced the draft Framework for Change for north Cambridge, as well as specific plans for redevelopment at Arbury Court and the Kingsway council estate.

Cambridge City Council states:

'Taking down existing homes and commercial premises at Arbury Court and replacing them with over 100 new council homes and over 100 new private homes – including more accessible homes for people with disabilities – as well as new commercial units for existing Arbury Court traders to move into and new community facilities including the library. The council is also in discussions with the Gurdwara, which has a freehold on the site, about being part of the proposals.

'The current park will be replaced with more space for new park and play areas, which will be at the centre of the new Arbury Court (see below). The council wants the community to help design the new park and play areas to provide a better layout and facilities for local people.

'Regenerating the Kingsway council estate, replacing existing homes with 99 new council homes and 98 new private homes, with a better arrangement of open and green spaces. The proposals also include redeveloping a number of homes on nearby Brackley Close, Rutland Close and Verulam Way.

'Enhancing parks and green spaces across the north of the city to make them safer and more accessible, increasing biodiversity, and planting trees and shrubs – initially at Arbury Park and the open space Kingsway, with a longer-term focus on Pulley Park, Nun’s Way Rec and Arbury Town Park.

'Working with the Highways Authority for safer streets, better crossings and improved travel connections, including the Arbury Court and Kingsway link.'

Cllr Gerri Bird, Cabinet Member for Housing, says:

“The council has an opportunity to invest in a part of the city that hasn’t seen a fair share of investment in recent years. We want to truly change people’s lives for the better, with modern, energy efficient and accessible council homes, and at the same time providing good-quality private homes which are equally highly needed. 

“We really want to hear what you think about our plans, and what’s important for us to consider in terms of delivering this investment in a way that works for everyone locally.'