Introducing the Cambridge Growth Company
The Cambridge Growth Company (CGC) is a newly established organization at the heart of the UK government’s ambitious plans to drive sustainable and inclusive growth in Greater Cambridge. Founded in May 2024 as a subsidiary of Homes England, CGC is tasked with aligning the region’s physical and economic expansion with innovation, sustainability, and the needs of local communities.
Founding History
The origins of CGC can be traced back to July 2023, when the UK government outlined its vision for significant housing and jobs growth in Cambridge. Peter Freeman, a respected figure in development and regeneration and Chair of Homes England, was appointed to lead the Cambridge Delivery Group, which laid the groundwork for the new company. The group’s efforts culminated in the formal registration of the Cambridge Growth Company in May 2024, effectively replacing the Delivery Group as the primary entity overseeing the government’s ambitions for Cambridge.
Mission and Strategic Focus
CGC’s core mission is to enable and accelerate developments that align with government ambitions, particularly in unlocking stalled sites, large-scale land assembly, and delivering major infrastructure projects such as housing and transport. The company is also responsible for developing a robust evidence base to support long-term planning, addressing complex constraints like water scarcity and transport congestion, and fostering the knowledge economy.
A key milestone in CGC’s early operations was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with an Advisory Council composed of local political leaders and expert advisors. This collaborative governance structure ensures that local voices and expertise remain central to growth initiatives.
Achievements and Initiatives
Strategic Partnerships: CGC has appointed leading technical experts, including Buro Happold and Prior + Partners, to help develop a long-term, evidence-based growth strategy for Greater Cambridge.
Government Support: The company has secured over £10 million in government funding to support infrastructure and development planning, including improvements to the biomedical campus and transport links.
Addressing Key Challenges: CGC is actively tackling regional barriers such as water scarcity, working with the Environment Agency and local authorities to set new standards for water efficiency.
Leadership
Peter Freeman serves as Chairman, bringing decades of experience in delivering complex, mixed-use projects, notably the redevelopment of King’s Cross in London. Other key directors include Bethany Jane Dugdale and Emma Caroline Fraser, both appointed in May 2024, alongside a board that features civil servants and experts in housing and infrastructure. The Advisory Council includes Baroness Sally Morgan, Dr. Paul Leinster, and Dr. Diarmuid O’Brien, each providing specialized knowledge in education, water resources, and innovation respectively.
Looking Ahead
With a mandate to deliver up to 150,000 new homes by 2050 and unlock stalled development, the Cambridge Growth Company stands as a pivotal force in shaping the future of Greater Cambridge. Its focus on sustainability, collaboration, and innovation ensures it is well-placed to support the region’s continued status as a global leader in science, technology, and economic excellence.