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Plans submitted to transform Cambridge sports facilities and deliver new homes
Plans to transform sports provision and deliver much needed new homes in Cambridge have been submitted to South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridge City Council.
Proposals by a joint venture between Grosvenor Britain & Ireland (Grosvenor) and Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), for the Cambridge Sporting Village at Trumpington Meadows, seek to deliver new sports facilities and homes for the city, to support Cambridge’s sustainable growth and generate wide-ranging benefits for local communities.
If approved, the project will deliver 520 much needed new homes, of which 40% will be affordable. In addition, of the 520 homes proposed approximately 250 could be delivered within five years.
At the same time, plans to modernise Abbey Stadium will help secure the long-term future of Cambridge United Football Club (CUFC) with, amongst other things, a new lease agreement it can afford. Its Cambridge United Community Trust (CUCT), which currently runs an extensive programme of youth development and sport programmes in the local community, should also be able to expand its offering in the community.
If plans (details in appendix 1) are successful, facilities at the Cambridge Sporting Village will be operated by CUFC and CUCT, alongside Cambridgeshire Football Association and other local sports clubs, and they will be open to the public. A revamped Cambridge Community Stadium will continue to be operated by CUFC.
James Cochrane, Senior Project Manager at Grosvenor said:
“Cambridge is a world-class city with a strong sporting heritage and a growing population. These proposals can build on that heritage with outstanding sports facilities that are open to all, while tackling the pressures of growth with vital new homes. These proposals received wide-spread local support and we look now to the planning authorities for a positive decision.”Jez George, CUFC Chief Executive, said:
“This is an important moment for sport in Cambridge and for Cambridge United. Give these plans the green light and the City can enjoy the biggest increase of sports provision for a generation. They would also enable Cambridge United to do even more for the City and its communities. We are proud of the work that our Community Trust does across the County. With improved facilities and greater financial security we would be in a position to do so much more."It is anticipated that a planning decision will be made in autumn 2016.
Appendix 1: The proposals
The Cambridge Sporting Village:
A Sports Hub - including a flexible indoor sports building, fitness facilities and restaurant
New artificial 3G grass pitches for:
An outdoor cycle park - comprising an outdoor track, enclosed 1.6km road circuit and BMX track
Raised promenade edge with countryside views, space to play and spectating areas
520 new homes with 40% affordable (208 homes)
Strong green infrastructure and an attractive new gateway to the city
The Cambridge Community Stadium:
Appendix 2: Support for the proposals has been declared by various members of the community:
Chris Adams, Chairman of Cambridge Cycling Club said: "An off-road facility would allow us to hold separate events for men, women and local schools, helping us convince future generations to enjoy cycling well into adulthood.”
Ian Drake, Chief Executive Officer of British Cycling said: “The inclusion of cycle sport facilities within the Cambridge Sporting Village would give the sport of cycling a home in a city which is considered by many as one of the country’s leading places for cycling.”
Chris Pringle, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire FA said: "The demand for football continues to rise but the county’s growing population - with limited leisure time and busy lives - requires football that meets their needs. Cambridgeshire FA is ready and mobilised to help deliver a game changing experience for the region.”