Petition to protect shops in plans to redevelop an area in East Barnwell
More than 400 people have signed a petition calling for closure-threatened shops in East Barnwell to be protected.
The family-run Spar store in Barnwell Road has been serving the local community for more than 30 years.
But now its owners fear they will “lose everything” if plans to redevelop land near the Newmarket Road and Barnwell Road roundabout go ahead.
Paul Phillips, who has run the Spar with his wife Susan since 1991, is not against redevelopment.
“We understand its necessity in ensuring a vibrant future for East Barnwell, but it must not come at the expense of those who have served this community tirelessly over decades and where people call home - the most important place for all of us,” he said.
He launched the petition at the start of the year, and it has already been signed by 396 people.
A planning application has been submitted for 120 homes, along with a new library and pre-school facilities as well as commercial premises, across two sites near the Newmarket Road and Barnwell Road roundabout.
The scheme is being developed by the landowners, Cambridgeshire County Council and Cambridge City Council. It will be delivered by the Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP), the joint venture between the city council and housebuilder Hill.
Site one is currently home to Abbey Bowls Club and tennis club, which are both proposed to be relocated to the Abbey Leisure Complex.
The second site is made up of the parade of shops and the flats above (1-23 Barnwell Road), the library and flats at 634-656 Newmarket Road.
The council says the new development will provide “much-needed affordable homes” as well as “ new community, library and preschool facilities”.
But the businesses say they will not be provided with temporary premises during the construction works, which could take more than a year and half.
Paul said: “Without temporary premises during construction and a guarantee of new premises afterwards, we and our beloved shop stands to lose everything.
“The impact extends beyond just one business. The entire community will be left without local shops and services whilst site two is redeveloped which could take one and a half years. This is not merely an inconvenience: it’s a potential crisis for those who rely on these services daily.
“East Barnwell deserves better. We deserve continuity of service provision throughout this redevelopment process. We urge the council to reconsider their plans in a way that protects existing businesses like Spar Barnwell Road while still allowing for growth and improvement in our area.”
Cllr Gerri Bird, executive councillor for housing and homelessness, said: “We’re really excited about the potential at East Barnwell to build 120 new much-needed affordable homes for local people.
“We’ll be replacing 18 ageing flats with 48 new ‘social rent’ homes, as well as 72 ‘affordable rent’ homes for people who are unable to afford the high market rents in Cambridge. All the new homes will be modern, sustainable and gas-free.
“The new development will also have enhanced pedestrian and cycle routes to encourage sustainable commuting, and all flat roofs will feature green roofs for effective rainwater management. Our plans also include new community, library and preschool facilities, open spaces, and new commercial premises.
“We’ve consulted with affected residents and businesses and will continue to communicate and take people’s concerns into account in the coming months. We’re really proud of our good track record of supporting those who are impacted by regeneration schemes like this.”
