Civic Quarter

Civic Quarter Developments

The new proposals for what is being called the ‘Civic Quarter’ were presented at the Strategy and Resources Committee on 21 November and came to Full Council on 28 November.

These cover the:

• Guildhall
• Corn Exchange, and
• Market Square

Although these were presented together, they represent three quite separate projects with different drivers and financial aims.

Guildhall

This is our historic civic building with beautiful wood panelled rooms in the formal public part. However, the rest of the building is old fashioned and only partially used with huge running costs. It leaks heat in the winter. Most council staff work from other buildings in the city such as Mandela House.

The aims of the project are:

• A very large reduction in the council’s office costs by eliminating the need for Mandela House
• the generation of income to support council services by letting out office space,
• an economic boost for the city centre,
• good functional working facilities for staff,
• keeping an accessible civic building on the market square at the heart of the city.

This will require a big cost upfront to retrofit out the building and bring it up to modern standards but there should be a long term cost saving quite apart from the other benefits that modern facilities bring. In particular, this includes reducing carbon emissions.

Corn Exchange

This is another historic, listed building which requires urgent restoration. The inside also requires refurbishment, and the plans are to increase capacity and create an improved welcoming space with better access to refreshments. This will be done as part of phase 2.

The repair to the fabric of the building is required for the building to continue to exist. However, the Liberal Democrat view is that the remainder of the works should only be carried out if there is commercial sense in doing it.

Market Square

The market is 1200 years old and is a valued part of the city. It is also an incubator of small businesses. However, the market square area is inaccessible for disabled people and anyone in heels, and is generally run down. The works currently being proposed, are to smoothen the cobbles and make the area ready for the next above-ground stage which will require external funding. Initial designs have been prepared, consisting of an area of permanent stalls covered by a light roof, plus another area where there will be demountable stalls. There have been issues with anti-social behaviour which the new plan is supposed to address. There are many details of the design still to be determined which the council says will be resolved in consultation with traders and the public.

This scheme provides a benefit to the whole city. It is not reasonable to expect that the market pays for such a refurbishment. However, we should anticipate improved attendance and business as a result.

The aims of all 3 projects will bring both financial (if properly managed) and intangible benefits to the residents of Cambridge, and so we approved the funds to take the project to the next stage. In all cases, the LibDems have asked for a proper business case with all parts of the projects properly costed.

The papers are available here under item 8, page 133:

https://democracy.cambridge.gov.uk/mgChooseDocPack.aspx?ID=4467