Cambridge is the centre of the greatest concentration of high technology firms in Europe. Economic activity in the area has expanded over the last 50 years and there is intense and increasing pressure for further growth. But prior to the mid-nineties growth was highly constrained by policies dating back to 1950. In 1993, concerned about the constraints on growth, Peter Carolin, then Head of the University of Cambridge School of Architecture, formed a consortium of different interest groups known as Cambridge Futures. This group looked at options for growth in the Cambridge region. In 1999 CAR conducted a survey that described the outcomes of development options simply and clearly, and invited members of the public to express their opinions. CAR also analysed a survey for Cambridge Futures 2, What Transport for Cambridge?.

Cambridge Futures had a major impact on development in the Cambridge area and the rest of the region. It has also influenced thinking about how to engage stakeholders in planning the future. It overcame local politicians’ perceptions that the public were opposed to growth and demonstrated that it was possible to engage a wide range of stakeholders in thinking strategically about the future.

Download Report (PDF 467 Kb) - [Cambridge Futures 1 What development options for Cambridge? ]

Download Report (PDF 206 Kb) - [Cambridge Futures 2 What transport for Cambridge? ]