A consultation on the future of the Travis Perkins site on Devonshire Road has revealed that residents in Central Cambridge crave more green space.
Following the analysis of its consultation findings, mixed-use developers, First Base and investors The Railways Pension Fund (RPMI Railpen), have found a shared desire from residents, businesses, students and visitors, for more trees, plants, biodiversity and open space within this Cambridge community.
Through innovative online consultation platform Give My View, a staggering 1,300 local people had their say on what should be prioritised in the designs for the new development planned on Devonshire Road. Respondents to the consultation indicated that they wanted to see:
· More trees and biodiversity
· Open, grassed areas
· Landscape gardens
· Space for bandstand/pavilion
As plans are developed, First Base and RPMI Railpen are committed to continuing to engage and to incorporate feedback from local people into their designs for the new development, which will deliver a new public park and provide flexible spaces to work and homes for rent.
Douglas Higgins, Project Director at First Base, said:
“We are delighted to receive such positive responses from the local community and particularly pleased that the overwhelming desire for green space is aligned with our vision for Devonshire Gardens.
We believe that it is vital for communities to have convenient access to nature to relax, exercise, socialise, reduce stress, and improve overall wellbeing. We thank local residents for taking part in this first round of consultation”.
The first round of consultation ended just before Christmas. A further round of consultation is planned for late February. A planning application is expected to be submitted by mid-2021. All further consultation stages will be conducted in accordance with COVID-19 safety regulations at the time of the consultation process.