Announced today (18th February) by Housing Minister Rt Hon Christopher Pincher is an ambitious plan to unleash the economic and cultural potential of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, and transform it into one of the world’s premier growth corridors and a world leader in sustainability.
A spatial framework plan will be developed by 2022, helping to create thousands of jobs, drive investment, and protect and enhance the environment. Most importantly for delivery, the Government intends to establish a new single voice for the area—an Arc Growth Body—to drive and support economic growth. This has been one of the key demands from those engaged in promoting the opportunities that the Arc offers.
Coming out of the COVID pandemic, special emphasis must be given to the health and wellbeing of those who live and work in the region, as well as to sustainability and environmental impacts. There are significant challenges ahead in combining the economic, technological and employment benefits of growth while at the same time protecting and enhancing the natural environment.
At WWA, we are excited at the commitment shown by the Government towards promoting the Arc and look forward to working with our clients and partners to progress the opportunities that will arise in planning and developing sustainable design solutions.
More details on this announcement can be found in the Government’s article, ‘Government plan to transform Oxford-Cambridge Arc into UK’s fastest growing economic region‘.
