Hundreds of families in Arbury and King’s Hedges are set to be rehoused as part of an ambitious £80 million regeneration project to replace ageing council homes — with Cambridge City Council pledging that every resident will be supported and compensated during the process.
But while the council says the redevelopment will bring new life to the area, some local traders at Arbury Court fear the project could put their livelihoods at risk, as BBC reports.
John West, who has run a butcher’s at Arbury Court for 20 years, told the BBC he was concerned about whether his small business could survive during and after the redevelopment.
“We are genuinely worried that when it's all over we won't be able to afford the new lease
prices for the places they have built,” he said.“It's a genuine worry whether my business will survive any sort of transition and
renovation... it would be devastating, a disaster for us, and I think for the local community.”Mr West said he welcomed some aspects of the plan but feared the relocation costs — including £10,000 to move refrigeration equipment — would be too much to bear.
“The great thing about the Court is that there is a genuine mix of people and a real sense
of community fun here,” he said.Another trader, John Lister, who owns John’s Bikes at Arbury Court, told the BBC he wanted clearer information about what would happen to his business.
“I don't even know if I will actually have a business at the end of this... we have had no
real information, that is the most frustrating thing.”Shoppers interviewed by the BBC expressed mixed opinions on the plans.
Malcom Everett, 65, said the precinct needed an “update”, while Karen Newman, 58, urged planners
to “leave it well alone.”
Announced on Monday 13 October, the proposals would see the complete transformation of parts of Arbury Court, Kingsway, and Brackley Close.
The plans include:
- More than 400 new homes, roughly half council-owned and half private.
- New shops, community spaces, parks, and play areas.
- At Arbury Court, demolition of existing blocks and construction of 107 new council homes, 106 private homes, and new commercial spaces for traders, alongside a new library, park, and play area.
- At Kingsway, replacement of existing properties with 99 new council homes and 98 private homes, many of which have been described as no longer fit for purpose due to damp, mould, and structural issues.
‘This is about changing lives’
Cllr Gerri Bird, Cabinet Member for Housing, said the plans were about long-term investment and giving residents the homes they deserve.
“The council has an opportunity to invest in one of the most deprived parts of the city and truly change people’s lives by taking this coordinated place-making approach in the north of the city,” she said.
“We’re able to give a new lease of life to a much-loved shopping centre, provide new community facilities and public spaces, and address concerns about antisocial behaviour or people feeling unsafe in public areas.”Cllr Bird added that residents would be supported on a one-to-one basis to find homes that suit their needs — with practical, financial and emotional support throughout the process.
“We’ll look after you,” she said. “We’ll take into account your family’s needs, your children’s schools, where you work, and who your neighbours are. Everyone affected will receive compensation and the option to return to one of the new homes once they’re built.”
The plans will also affect 46 privately owned flats and five houses, which the council says it intends to buy to make the regeneration possible. The council acknowledges this is a “difficult decision” but says it is necessary to deal with long-standing housing quality and safety problems.
Private leaseholders and homeowners are being contacted this week and invited to drop-in sessions to discuss their options, compensation packages, and the right to return.
Council documents describe many of the current properties as being in poor structural condition, with persistent damp and mould, fire safety risks, and rising repair costs.
The council argues that demolition and rebuild is more cost-effective than trying to patch up existing buildings, and says new homes will be warmer, safer, and more energy efficient, cutting tenants’ bills and improving living standards.
The regeneration proposals form part of the council’s wider ‘Framework for Change’ — a long-term strategy for investment in Arbury, King’s Hedges and Chesterton, shaped by consultations held earlier this year.
All existing traders at Arbury Court will be offered new commercial units during the transition, ensuring local shops and services stay open. The council also says a temporary park and play area will remain available throughout construction.
The regeneration proposals will be discussed by the council’s Cabinet on Tuesday 21 October. Affected households have already received letters and will be able to speak directly with officers at upcoming drop-in events before the Cabinet meeting.
Following the decision, there will be further consultation and engagement opportunities for residents to shape final plans.