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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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From Arc to Action? The Future of the Oxford to Cambridge Corridor.
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.
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With an increasing number of people turning to social media for their news, is there still a place for traditional newspapers?
Verity Barr.
Director, Corporate Communications
Absolutely, but their role is shifting. Increasingly the home of long-form, investigative journalism, the weekend papers in particular have broken some of the biggest stories of the past few years.
Their journalists search for the truth, aren’t afraid to challenge and are critical in holding those in positions of power to account. But they do this within the boundaries of a code of conduct that means their readers can trust what’s written – and that’s why we can’t afford to lose them.
Chris Lee.
Head of Media Strategy
One hundred per cent. Professional journalists are more fundamental than ever, acting as the custodians of accurate information and holding political leaders accountable, especially in a time when misinformation and “fake news” seem to be everywhere.
The lobby journalists who live and breathe Westminster politics are still driving the news agenda in a big way, especially with politics having been such a major part of the news discourse over the last decade. Also, let’s not forget, when you turn on broadcast news or listen to a current affairs podcast, those producers will always look to the newspapers to set the agenda.