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Residents express concerns that an £80m regeneration of the Arbury estate in Cambridge could separate families and disrupt the community
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An £80m plan by Cambridge City Council to demolish and regenerate the Arbury estate, including Arbury Court, has raised concerns among local residents and business owners. The project involves demolishing existing council flats and shops to build over 200 new homes, comprising council and private housing. While the council states it will do its utmost to support displaced residents and traders—including offering options to return and providing £500,000 in trader support—locals fear separation of multi-generational families, school disruptions for children, over-development, limited parking, and construction traffic.
Wichtige Punkte
- Cambridge City Council has proposed an £80m plan to demolish existing homes and the shopping precinct at Arbury Court to build over 200 new homes, community facilities, and commercial units.
- The development plans involve demolishing 149 council flats across Arbury Court, Kingsway, and Brackley Close, replacing them with over 100 new council homes and over 100 private homes.
- Resident Saima Din warned that multi-generational families could be separated or forced to move out, potentially disrupting children's schooling.
- Gerri Bird, Labour cabinet member for housing, stated the council will help displaced tenants stay in the local area and provide opportunities for them to return.
- Local resident Ian Cooper raised concerns that the site is being over-densely developed and will not provide adequate parking facilities for the new residents.
- Resident Rosalind Lund highlighted anxieties regarding construction traffic and general disruption from the building work.
- The council stated it is providing £500,000 in support to traders, holding bi-monthly meetings, and ensuring businesses can stay open until new shops are built ahead of a consultation launching in late October.