Cartwright
Pickard

Planning and Listed Building Consent has now been secured for all three elements of Cambridge Civic Quarter: the Grade II-listed Guildhall, Corn Exchange and Market Square and associated public realm, marking a major milestone for the transformation of Cambridge’s historic civic heart.

Together, the three projects balance the conservation of some of the city’s most important civic heritage with ambitious improvements to accessibility, sustainability and everyday civic life.

Within the Market Square, the Victorian granite setts will be carefully lifted and re-laid, with kerbs laid flush to create an accessible level surface. The Grade II-listed fountain will be restored and 18 new trees introduced, creating a greener and more welcoming public space. A new family of 97 long-life market stalls 55 fixed, 18 semi-fixed and 24 fully demountable will allow the seven-day market to adapt throughout the year. Their coloured PPC aluminium, castellated profiles and striped canopies reinterpret the familiar character of Cambridge Market.

At the Guildhall, EnerPHit principles underpin a deep retrofit targeting a 68% reduction in current energy use, alongside improved civic and workplace spaces. The Corn Exchange will gain improved acoustics and accessibility, a transformed foyer and mezzanine bar, upgraded backstage facilities, solar PV and air-source heat pumps.

With approvals now secured, the Civic Quarter can move towards delivery, adapting buildings and spaces that have supported Cambridge’s civic and cultural life for centuries for generations to come.

"The approval of the Market Square and Public Realm is a great step forward for Cambridge Civic Quarter, one that will allow this transformative project to move forward into the delivery phase. These proposals balance respect for Cambridge’s remarkable heritage with bold, innovative and sustainable design."

“The Guildhall and Corn Exchange both drastically reduce energy use and carbon emissions, creating spaces fit for the future. Working with Cambridge City Council and the design consortium, we aim to create a Civic Quarter that serves as an inclusive and vibrant hub for the city council, residents and visitors alike.”

— David Roberts, Director