Cambridge City Council is inviting feedback on its plans for an £80 million investment in north Cambridge which will see 200+ new council homes and 200+ new private homes built in the area, with Arbury Court shopping and community facilities redeveloped, and improvements made to local public spaces and parks.
The plans have been developed following an earlier round of engagement in May/June 2025 to help create the council’s North Cambridge Framework for Change – its corporate vision for north Cambridge which sets out the council’s long-term plan for investment in Arbury, King’s Hedges and Chesterton.
Hundreds of people responded to the 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.
What is planned?
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.
Find out more
Please visit one of the upcoming drop-in events taking place to find out more or share your feedback with the team:
- Monday 17 November, 5 to 6.30pm, Akeman Community Centre
- Saturday 22 November, 11am to 12.30pm, Meadows Community Centre
- Monday 1 December, 5.30 to 7pm, Brown’s Field Community Centre
Or join the webinar taking place on Thursday 27 November, 5.30 to 7.30pm.
Find out more about these events.
Have your say
Share your views on the draft north Cambridge Framework for Change, and the specific plans for redevelopment at Arbury Court and Kingsway, between now and Tuesday 16 December 2025.
The content online can be translated into Arabic, Polish, Ukrainian or Portuguese.
Request the survey in an alternative format, including a paper copy, by emailing communications@cambridge.gov.uk or calling 01223 457 000. Paper copies are also available at Meadows Community Centre and Arbury Court Library. For anyone requiring one-to-one assistance to complete the survey, please call 07889 111 575.
Your input will help shape the final version of the Framework and the plans for the Arbury Court and Kingsway redevelopments.
Cllr Gerri Bird, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “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.
“Do you agree that Arbury Court and Kingsway homes should be a priority area for investment and improvement? Are you a trader who can feed back on our proposed £500,000 support package for you? Would you like to help co-design the new Arbury Court park and play areas? We’ve heard concerns about cycle paths crossing the new park but this won’t happen. We want to hear from local families and young people to make sure we get this right and improve the layout and facilities for you. Let us know what you think by 16 December so we can ensure that we deliver this investment in north Cambridge in the best way.”
Any residents required to move out of their home will be supported with financial compensation (£8,100 for council tenants, 10%+ of market value for home owners and 7.5% for non-resident owners), logistical and financial help to move, and for council tenants high-priority access to find the right council home in Cambridge for them, including brand new homes.
Similarly, the council will support all current Arbury Court businesses to trade throughout the development process and is inviting feedback on a proposed support package. Current businesses will be able to continue to trade in their current premises right up until the new Arbury Court is built and ready to move into, and will have the right to return to the new permanent premises when they are built.
The current Arbury Court park would also be available throughout any development until the new Arbury Court park is open for people to enjoy.
