From Arc to Action? The Future of the Oxford to Cambridge Corridor.

Written by James Wood, Associate Director

The Oxford to Cambridge corridor has long been touted for substantial growth. While consecutive governments have championed its potential, there’s been little real action . . . until recently.

It feels like momentum is building again, and the OxCam whispers are getting louder. The Pan Regional Partnership has been put in place, there’s renewed commitment to growth in Cambridge, and the new Government is turning its attention to the region. But, if the dream is going to become a reality, it needs local support too.

To build a clearer picture of local views, we teamed up with Savanta to poll councillors across the region.

Mixed Views on the Growth Corridor

The results were revealing. While 50% of councillors believe the corridor will have a positive impact, only 43% think it will actually be delivered.

Interestingly, it’s the longer-serving councillors who are the most optimistic. Only 20% of first-term councillors see the corridor as a good thing. In contrast, 54% of councillors with over 12 years of service believe in its potential. We admire their perseverance.

To dig a bit deeper, we asked councillors about their priorities for the region and their voices were united.

1. 95% said transport and infrastructure were in their top three priorities, with highways flagged as especially important. As the number one issue raised by constituents, these transport concerns need to be addressed if the growth corridor is going to succeed.

2. Housing was the second important priority for councillors. That’s no surprise when Labour’s new housing targets are pushing for more homes across the region.

3. Driven by the academic powerhouses of Oxford and Cambridge universities, energy and life sciences are key sectors in the corridor, but surprisingly, they’re not top priorities for local councillors. Only 6% picked one of these as their number one focus, though 40% included them in their top three. While these industries are important for the region’s long-term vision, councillors are more concerned about the immediate infrastructure needs.

Engage early and often

With many newer councillors in the region elected on anti-development platforms, there’s a risk of discontent along the corridor. Our advice? Developers need to start engaging with local politicians now, addressing their concerns about transport and housing and demonstrating a commitment to working together.

The key to success? Ensuring transport improvements are delivered alongside growth. That’s what local people care about most.

Download our Oxford to Cambridge insight report here. 

We’re offering CPD sessions on both the Oxford to Cambridge corridor and the new Government. Sign up here to find out how the region is likely to fit into Labour’s policy commitments in the planning and development space.