A new spatial framework for the Oxford-Cambridge Arc to drive investment in the region and turn it into an economic powerhouse and world-leader in sustainability will be published next year.
The framework, first announced by secretary of state Robert Jenrick in March last year will bring together leaders, businesses and communities from across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire work together to develop an ambitious plan for growth aimed at doubling its economic output to more than £200bn by 2050.
The framework will complement a new Olympics-style growth body, which will promote the Arc internationally.
Housing minister Chris Pincher said: “We want to take this region to the next phase of its renaissance by unlocking its full potential and our plans will drive investment where it is needed and ensure, as growth happens, we create well-designed, inclusive and vibrant places and communities.
“The OxCam spatial framework will allow us to plan positively for growth and we look forward to working with our local partners over the coming months to strengthen our vision and approach to the Arc.”
The framework and development body was one of a number of recommendations called for in the Radical Regeneration Manifesto published by Bidwells, Perkins&Will and Blackstock in late 2019.
The manifesto set out 16 policy recommendations to radically overhaul how planning decisions are made in the Arc, including the creation of an Olympics-style delivery body to streamline strategic planning.
Mike Derbyshire, head of planning at Bidwells, said: “In our RRM we set out the need for clarity across the whole region on what kind of development was needed. We successfully delivered the 2012 Olympics because we avoided local political squabbling and had a clear vision for the redevelopment of east London. We need the same and this announcement goes a long way to helping that become reality.
“We’ve been encouraged in recent months by government’s approach to the Arc and it’s clear they have listened to the development industry. Bringing forward the framework at pace – as MHCLG intend to – will start to build the momentum the Arc needs but it must be a green strategy and an exemplary in its approach to sustainability, particularly net zero commitments, place-making and economic growth.”
“Since the National Infrastructure Commission issued its report in November 2017 there has been much discussion and speculation about what the scale of the opportunity is for the Oxford Cambridge Arc and many stakeholders have contributed their ideas,” said head of UK planning at Savills, David Jackson. “What has been less clear is how the undoubted potential of the Arc would be realised. This report is very welcome in setting out both the roadmap to establish a spatial framework for the Arc and most importantly a timescale for that process. This is an exciting time therefore for all those with an interest in the Arc to have a role in shaping one of the most important economic growth areas in the country.”
Steven Charlton, principal and managing director of Perkins&Will, added: “The scale of the opportunity here is vast but it requires strategic thinking and ministers are doing precisely the right thing by thinking big, utilizing data and working to harvest investment that is queuing up to fund life sciences and build labs.
“Our work to analyse investment and scale-ups across the region shows there are unprecedented opportunities to create jobs and spread out the recovery across cities like Milton Keynes and Norwich.”
Bidwells estimates that up to £20bn could surge into the Arc region to create jobs and employment space, deliver transport links and build houses to support the long-term growth of the area’s world-leading knowledge economy.
To send feedback, e-mail samantha.mcclary@egi.co.uk or tweet @samanthamcclary or @estatesgazette
