Key decision points

Currently, investment in the arc is focused on Oxford and Cambridge. The main opportunity that could be unlocked by new infrastructure is to create a new focus for investment and growth in the centre of the arc around Milton Keynes and Bedford. This area has the benefit of not being constrained by green belt as Oxford and Cambridge are, and also having existing routes crossing it from London and Birmingham.

Creating a new focus for innovation and growth in the centre of the arc will be supported by the new university in Milton Keynes. The university is planned to open in 2023 and will have 5,000 students, focused on science, technology and engineering. It will be in the centre of the city, forming an important part of the plans to densify the area, including delivering 4,000 new homes and additional commercial space.

There are two key areas where the impact of new infrastructure can be maximised. The first is where it aligns with existing growth areas, to unlock more land and allow development at higher densities. The prime example of this would be Cambourne, which will be served by the Expressway potentially the new railway and proposed Cambridge Metro, meaning it could accommodate an increased amount of overspill housing need from Cambridge with greatly improved public transport links. The alternative southern option for the railway has the potential to support growth at Bassingbourn, but at a slower rate, as any development would need the Ministry of Defence to relocate from Bassingbourn Barracks.

The second is to create new transport hubs where new infrastructure connects with existing road and rail. Such nodal points can be found at Sandy, Bicester, Milton Keynes and Bedford. Intersections with existing major infrastructure will create new opportunities for logistics and distribution, and are also most likely to support new settlements.

With HS2 now under review, it could be appropriate to consider whether creating a station where it meets the East West rail would unlock more land to deliver further growth.

_{Read the articles within The Oxford-Cambridge Innovation Arc below.}