How Arbury Court neighbourhood centre in Cambridge could look after revamp

Cambridge City Council has unveiled its proposals.

Better seating, cycle stands, bins and signs are among plans for a facelift of the Arbury Court neighbourhood centre, as well as new paving, planting and improvements to the crossing point on Arbury Road.

It’s all part of Cambridge City Council’s ambitions to improve the quality of selected local centres.

The council says the aim is ‘to enhance social inclusion, economic prosperity and equality, and raise pride in the area for residents, traders and visitors’.

Labour’s Jocelynne Scutt has just been elected Arbury’s representative on Cambridgeshire County Council. She said though the proposed improvements will be great for the area, there is certainly no lack of pride from residents.

“I think it’s an excellent idea to focus on parts of Arbury, and Arbury Court is a significant shopping centre in the area,” she said. “It’s important that people know it’s there.

“A lot of people I talk to know the library’s there but don’t know that there’s a bakery and lots of other shops inside the courtyard.

“I think the new development will invite people into the courtyard. It will be a great impetus for Arbury.

“And Arbury is about trees, so it will make sure the trees are affirmed, and other parts of Arbury can take advantage of that.

“Arbury is full of pride and appreciation, and this new Arbury Court will add to it.”

A steering group of local community and business stakeholders helped shape the proposals, which will be taken forward alongside the county council’s planned cycle route improvements for Arbury Road. This is also expected to improve the pedestrian crossing between Arbury Court and North Cambridge Academy and the doctors’ surgery.

Exhibitions are being held at Arbury Community Centre, North Cambridge Academy and the library until June 16, when a public consultation closes. Residents can have a say on the proposals online at surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Arbury. Any suggested changes will be considered by the Arbury Court steering group.