Michael Gove has revealed plans to turn Cambridge into Europe’s ‘Silicon Valley’. BETHANY WALES looks at whether this is good news for Norfolk and Suffolk.
The controversial proposals are being developed by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and would see 250,000 houses built in and around the city.
It’s part of a drive to tackle England’s housing crisis and establish the UK as a major player in the science and technology industries.
Although it’s still at concept stage, sources said it would balloon the city’s population, and that huge parcels of land would be needed to build new business parks, laboratories, and science centres.
The plans have been widely condemned by councillors in Cambridge, with Pippa Heylings, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for South Cambridgeshire, describing the project as an “absurd” and “undeliverable” plan from a Conservative government that is “in its dying days”.
But what do our local business leaders make of the scheme?
TECH CORRIDOR
Our tech sector is estimated to be worth more than £8bn, employing around 89,000 people, with the much-talked-about Norwich to Cambridge tech corridor touted as a magnet for startups.
With towns like Thetford and Bury St Edmunds less than an hour away from the planned development, business experts say Norfolk and Suffolk could be set to benefit.
According to Julian Munson, from the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, “accelerating innovation and growth in Cambridge would help drive prosperity in the wider region” too.
Candy Richards, from the Federation of Small Businesses, agreed, adding that the proposed investment “could deliver supply chain opportunities for our many thriving businesses here in East Anglia”.
Matt Cooper, from Aylsham-based tech firm Sekura Mobile, added that it could also be good for the region’s global reputation.
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He said: “I think Norfolk and Norwich can be seen as being somewhat ‘backward’ by those not from East Anglia so it would be good to get an image boost from the tech association.”
"WOEFULLY LACKING"
But despite predictions of a knock-on benefit for our region, they also warned that without direct investment, we’re unlikely to see any meaningful progress.
Mr Munson said: “There are dynamic centres of innovation right across Norfolk and Suffolk in places such as Norwich, Ipswich, Martlesham, Hethel and Lowestoft which also promise to deliver game-changing projects that will deliver economic growth and help the UK meet its net zero targets.
“Government investment in these burgeoning centres of activity would help unleash their full potential to create high-quality jobs and attract outside investment.”
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And for Ms Richards, the government’s focus on Cambridge is illustrative of the neglect East Anglia has dealt with for decades, particularly in terms of investment in infrastructure.
She said: “Although any proposal to kick-start growth is positive, the announcement must not be to the detriment of the neighbouring counties of Norfolk and Suffolk that are crying out for investment.
“Cries that, to date, have largely been ignored.
“Some of the UK’s most vital and innovative projects are set to be delivered in our region, such as the Sizewell C nuclear power station and the Norfolk Vanguard Offshore Wind Farm.
“However, the infrastructure needed to realise the region’s potential is woefully lacking.”
“Our transport network requires significant investment.
“From tackling the transport deserts in rural communities to dualling the A47, and upgrading the rail lines, including the Norwich-Cambridge route.”
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