Cambridge Civic Quarter

“The Cartwright Pickard-led team have made a fantastic start already. They have committed to a full programme of engagement with local people... and key stakeholders including market traders and other local businesses."

Councillor Simon Smith, Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources @ Cambridge City Council

Client Cambridge City Council
Location Cambridge, UK
Completion 2027
Cost £75m

Services

RIBA stages 1-3
Feasibility study
Architectural design
Public consultation
Sustainable design

The Reimagining of Cambridge's Civic Quarter

In Spring 2024, following a comprehensive tender process, the practice was appointed by Cambridge City Council as the Consortium Lead and Architect to reimagine the city’s Civic Quarter, encompassing the Grade II Listed Guildhall, Market Square, Corn Exchange, and surrounding public spaces.

The Civic Quarter project aspires to combine Cambridge’s historic character with modern, sustainable innovations, meeting the needs of residents, visitors, and future generations. The proposals focus on achieving long-term sustainability by measuring our performance against the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, pursuing EnerPHit accreditation, enhancing biodiversity, and improving water efficiency while celebrating the unique identity of this historic area.

"We are extremely proud to continue our partnership with Cambridge City Council on this transformative project. These proposals balance respect for Cambridge’s remarkable heritage with bold, sustainable design innovations. Together, we aim to create a Civic Quarter that serves as a vibrant hub for residents and visitors alike"

David Roberts
Director, Cartwright Pickard

Cambridge Guildhall

The Guildhall will undergo significant enhancements to improve its functionality, accessibility, and integration with the wider community. The ground floor will feature a new shared lobby, offering improved natural lighting and a welcoming café space for public and council use. Civic halls within the Guildhall will see increased use, with proposals including space for a cultural attraction, such as the potential relocation of the Museum of Cambridge. To further optimise the building’s use, council office spaces will be consolidated within the Guildhall, freeing up the upper floors for commercial offices. This strategic move aims to safeguard frontline council services while creating new revenue streams to support the council’s operations.

Cambridge Corn Exchange

The Corn Exchange will be revitalised to enhance its role as a premier and much-loved events venue. Plans include replacing the roof and, in a later phase, increasing the venue’s event capacity. Accessibility improvements are central to the proposals, with the addition of lifts and upgraded backstage facilities ensuring the venue is fully inclusive for performers and visitors alike. A pedestrianised breakout space at Parson’s Court will offer vibrant food and drink options, creating an inviting atmosphere for social interaction. Sustainability features, such as air source heat pumps and solar panels, will be integrated to reduce the building’s carbon footprint and align with the project’s Net Zero ambitions.

Cambridge Market Square

The Market Square will be transformed into a flexible, adaptable public space that respects its historic character while introducing modern innovations. New lightweight, demountable stalls will provide flexibility for various uses, ensuring the market remains a dynamic focal point for the community. The design includes an accessible shared surface with refurbished historic setts, making the space more inclusive and accessible. Future phases will introduce additional sustainability measures, including covered seating, enhanced water efficiency systems, and renewable energy sources. These improvements aim to create a vibrant, adaptable, and sustainable public realm that caters to the needs of residents, traders, and visitors.

A Sustainable and Inclusive Vision for Cambridge’s Civic Heart

Our vision breathes new life into the Guildhall, Corn Exchange, and Market Square, restoring their place at the heart of Cambridge. This will be achieved by creating an outstanding public realm and civic spaces, introducing modern workspaces, and retaining the area’s heritage value where possible.

Recognising the impact on market traders, the council is holding regular meetings to address key topics, including:

The design of new demountable stalls
Timeline and planning for market works
Temporary decant plans to ensure continued trading throughout construction

Appointment and Project Timeline

The Consortium was reappointed earlier this year to advance the project through RIBA Stage 3, culminating in a planning submission due in autumn 2025. The same team successfully guided the designs to approval at the Strategy and Resources Committee in November 2024.

The Cambridge Civic Quarter project remains a long-term initiative. The next steps include finalising the appointment of a contractor, ongoing stakeholder engagement, and submitting a Planning and Listed Building application by late summer 2025. Construction is expected to begin no earlier than October 2026, allowing sufficient time to refine plans and capture, distil and address stakeholder needs.

A Transformative Vision for One of the UK’s Most Historic Centres

The new Cambridge Civic Quarter will be a civic asset that reflects the area’s distinct heritage, values, and global academic prominence. The project’s bold sustainability strategies and community-focused design aim to create a civic hub that serves residents, businesses, and visitors for generations to come.

Sketches excluding above by Peter McQuillan.