Cambridge Futures was a unique example of applied research informing public policy. Its aim was to provide a forum for considering options for the development of the Cambridge region. In 1993, concerned about the constraints on growth in Cambridge, academics in the University Department of Architecture brought together people from local government, planning, development and the business community to discuss the future of the region.

Seven options for the development of the Cambridge region were devised and CAR surveyed the public’s reaction. We described the outcomes of the options in detail and people were asked how much they liked each of them on a five point scale.

One of the key issues emerging from the survey was people’s concern about the increase in traffic congestion. So in 2004 CAR analysed a second survey entitled ‘What transport for Cambridge?’. Five transport options were devised and their outcomes explained in detail.

Approach
This approach to enrolling stakeholders in local democratic decision-making represents a significant advance in engaging ordinary people in the planning process at a strategic level.

The surveys formed part of an exhibition, which was launched at the Senate House in the University before going to the Grafton Centre, Cambridge, and other venues in the region. Using panels, a video and a brochure sheet, the exhibition explained the purpose of Cambridge Futures and described the seven development options in detail. People were offered the opportunity to comment on the proposals by filling in a tear-off slip on the brochure, by using a computer-based interactive questionnaire at the exhibition or by completing a web-based survey.

A total of 650 people answered the first survey on development and 326 people completed the survey on transport. Half of the responses were from the computer version of the survey, just over a third from the paper version and 10% from the web. The people answering the survey were self-selected, the indications are that they are representative of Cambridge people rather than any pressure group.

Consultancy
A similar approach to Cambridge Futures might usefully be adopted in other towns and cities to help people think positively about change and in reaching a consensus about the way forward.

Download Report (PDF 205 Kb) - [Cambridge Futures 1 What development options for Cambridge? ]

Download Report (PDF 359 Kb) - [Cambridge Futures 2 What transport for Cambridge? ]