Local residents, organisations and businesses are being asked for their views on how the final major piece of brownfield land available in Cambridge could be regenerated.

The Issues and Options Consultation on the Cambridge Northern Fringe East area will give interested parties the chance to have their say on all aspects of the development, including what the land should be used for, and how it will best benefit the city and the wider area in the future.

A series of public exhibitions about the redevelopment are being held during the next few weeks, included at Milton Community Centre on 19th January from 2pm to 8pm, where anyone interested will be able to find out more and speak to council officers. There will also be the opportunity to comment online.

People will have the chance to respond to the overall stated vision for the area, which will ultimately become a significant new gateway to the city, meeting modern business needs and providing sustainable homes.

Options suggested in the consultation would see an employment-led redevelopment of the area, which is situated just the other side of the A14 from Milton, east of Milton Road, and west of the Cambridge to King’s Lynn railway in the north of the city.

The site could include a mixture of commercial space, housing, and community facilities, as well as the proposed new railway station, a public transport interchange and an extension to the Guided Busway. The consultation gives people the chance to suggest a new name for this part of Cambridge, and for the new railway station.

Cllr Kevin Blencowe, Cambridge City Council‘s Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Transport, said:

It’s important we consult widely to ensure the Cambridge Northern Fringe East development provides the infrastructure that is really needed in the city.

This redevelopment has the potential to play a significant part in providing additional employment and business opportunities for the Cambridge area, to build on our successes of recent years. It is also important that it meets expectations in terms of housing, transport, services and amenities that can be used by the city as a whole.

Cllr Robert Turner, South Cambridgeshire District Council‘s cabinet member for planning, said:

Please make sure you have your say during this important consultation. There is a huge opportunity for us to regenerate this area and develop a plan for a gateway to the city and beyond.

The options on the table for the area will help spark debate and gather views, but it is important to recognise that no decisions have been taken, and we are all looking forward to seeing how people think we should plan for the future.

You can comment on the redevelopment project online at www.cambridge.gov.uk/cnfe from now until 2nd February at 5pm.

The comments from the issues and option consultation will then help shape an Area Action Plan, which will be consulted on by both councils next autumn.