North Cambridge residents are being invited to have their say on plans for new homes, community facilities, shops and green spaces at Arbury Court and the Kingsway area of north Cambridge.
Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP), the equal partnership between Cambridge City Council and The Hill Group, has today launched a public consultation on proposals that will bring more than 400 new homes to the two sites, including more than 200 council homes.
The proposals build on the council’s North Cambridge Framework for Change, which was developed following extensive community engagement during 2025 and sets out a long-term vision for investment in the area. Community feedback showed strong support for prioritising Arbury Court and the Kingsway area for investment and improvement, with respondents referring to current homes suffering from poor insulation and damp. Residents’ feedback indicated a desire to prioritise new energy-efficient council homes, greener public spaces, play and youth facilities, and safer streets that design out crime.
In addition to building a higher number of council homes than those being replaced, the emerging plans also include new and improved green spaces, safer public spaces, new walking and cycling routes, and improved community facilities and commercial spaces. Feedback from residents, businesses and local organisations during the current consultation will help hone the proposals before a further round of consultation in the new year, after which planning applications will be submitted.
At Arbury Court, proposals include new council homes alongside new homes for private rent or sale, improved community facilities, including a new library, a refreshed shopping area, and new public spaces designed to support everyday community life.
At Kingsway, plans include new homes alongside new and improved open spaces which build on the area's strong green character and mature trees. A miniature woodland is proposed, with biodiverse planting in addition to play features for residents to enjoy. There will also be improved active travel links around the area, with new dedicated walking and cycling routes.
Cllr Gerri Bird, Cambridge City Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We have heard from local people that they want us to invest in providing more comfortable, energy-efficient council homes in this part of the city. We want to ensure that the new developments reflect the needs and aspirations of the people who live and work here.
"The proposals will bring more, much-needed new council homes, improve community links and facilities, and enhance public spaces and parks. We've already heard lots of valuable ideas from local people, which have helped shape the plans so far. Now we'd like to hear what residents think about the latest proposals and what improvements matter most to them.”
Tom Hill, Managing Director of The Hill Group, said: “These consultations are an important opportunity to hear from residents, gather local knowledge and understand what matters most to the community. This feedback will help inform the next stage of design development for Arbury Court and Kingsway, as we continue to develop the proposals and engage with the community.”
Residents can view the plans online, at drop-in events or by picking up printed copies from Arbury Court Library and The Meadows Community Centre.
Feedback can be submitted by completing printed surveys at in-person events or by completing the surveys online.
Information in other languages is available on request.
The Arbury Court drop-in events:
- Wednesday 28 October, 4 to 7pm – Church of the Good Shepherd, Mansel Way, CB4 2ET
- Saturday 7 November, 11am to 1pm – The Meadows Community Centre, 299 Arbury Rd, Arbury, CB4 2JL
- Thursday 12 November, 5.30 to 6.30pm – online webinar
The Kingsway drop-in events:
- Wednesday 4 November, 4 to 7pm – Church of the Good Shepherd, Mansel Way, CB4 2ET
- Saturday 7 November, 1.30 to 3.30pm – The Meadows Community Centre, 299 Arbury Rd, Arbury, CB4 2JL
- Thursday 19 November, 5.30 to 6.30pm – online webinar
The consultations are open from Wednesday 28 October to Friday 20 November. Feedback from the consultations will be used to help refine the proposals before further public consultation takes place in early 2027. Planning applications are expected to be submitted later in 2027.
