Civic Quarter revamp moves a step closer

The Guildhall would be redeveloped as part of the Civic Quarter revamp

Funding to redevelop the Civic Quarter in Cambridge has moved a step closer.

The city council's cabinet has recommended releasing £4.4m of funding for technical design work.

A full planning application would then be produced, which would be likely to be submitted next year.

The works include plans to refurbish the Guildhall, Corn Exchange and Market Square. The decision will need to be approved by a full council meeting, which is next scheduled for 9 October.

The Market Square will be redeveloped to include demountable stalls

The overall works to redevelop the area are expected to cost around £92m.

The Guildhall would be redeveloped and modernised and the council chamber would be made more accessible. There are also proposals for a museum which would be open to the public.

During the meeting the leader of the council, Labour's Cameron Holloway, said "the Guildhall currently costs £1.2m every year net to run".

He hopes that will "turn around and bring in some income".

He added that would allow money to be spent elsewhere in the city.

The Corn Exchange would get a new roof, better ventilation and solar panels, along with better seating and more accessible space.

The accessibility plans were welcomed by councillor and former mayor Geri Bird, who is a wheelchair user.

She said she had very limited seating options when using the Corn Exchange and was "unable to sit next to her colleagues" during council meetings due to the set up in the chamber.

The city's Market Square would be revamped to include 44 permanent stalls and 52 demountable stalls. This would allow the space to be used for 'cultural events' outside of normal market opening times.

A final decision to release the money will be made by the full city council, with formal plans expected to be submitted next year.