New body to promote Oxford-Cambridge corridor

A new framework to promote economic growth in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor has been published by the government.

The spatial framework plan includes a proposal to create an Arc Growth Body to help promote the regional internationally.

The plan will cover the counties of Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

The region is home to more than 2m jobs and provides a place to live for over 3.7m residents.

It includes Oxford and Cambridge, which are world-leading centres of research and innovation.

There are ten significant higher education institutions, including Cranfield University, with its world-leading specialisms in automotive and aerospace engineering, the Open University, and the world-leading centres of learning at the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge.

With the right interventions and investment, local analysis suggests that by 2050 economic output could double to over £200bn.

‘The Oxford-Cambridge Arc is already home to world-leading economic, cultural and scientific assets,’ said housing minister, Christopher Pincher.

‘We know for instance Cambridge’s rate of patent applications – a key indicator of innovation – is the highest in the United Kingdom, while nearby Milton Keynes is the fastest growing city in the country.

‘We want to take this region to the next phase of its renaissance by unlocking its full potential and our plans will drive investment where it is needed and ensure, as growth happens, we create well-designed, inclusive and vibrant places and communities,’ added Mr Pincher.

‘The OxCam spatial framework will allow us to plan positively for growth and we look forward to working with our local partners over the coming months to strengthen our vision and approach to the Arc.’

The chair of the Arc Leaders Group and the leader of Cherwell District Council, Cllr Barry Wood, added: ‘We welcome the continuing commitment from Government to the Oxford to Cambridge Arc through today’s announcements.

‘We look forward to working together with local people and our local partners to deliver an economy that works for all, underpinned by a high-quality natural environment. This will include planning for and enabling development that is truly inclusive and sustainable which delivers real benefits for our communities and environment now and in the future.’

Photo Credit – LinSusan1963 (Pixabay)