Marshall supports the intended purpose of this policy, which is to identify suitable locations for employment proposals and potential uses that might be acceptable in these locations. This Local Plan provides an opportunity to truly maximise the scale and quality of the opportunity to add to the Cambridge story through the realisation of the area’s economic potential, whilst integrating with and serving the local population. There are clear sustainability benefits to focusing employment development at appropriate and accessible locations that are well linked with existing and committed transport links.

Cambridge East has a number of characteristics that make it a unique opportunity for the area. The potential exists for a combination of a research hub, space for all levels of education and the commercial space to accommodate both large scale global occupiers and the flexible, affordable space for the small, high growth businesses for which Cambridge is renowned. Cambridge East can include maker spaces to provide spaces for creative industries and entrepreneurs, space for growing sectors that require mid-level skills, and the leisure and retail offer will provide opportunity for entry level jobs. This will create a mix of employment and training opportunities suitable for residents of different skill levels as Marshall can expand the offering of the Marshall Apprenticeship programme.

Cambridge East can deliver a development that offers economic and sustainability benefits that cannot be delivered elsewhere. It will make a significant contribution to the target of doubling GVA by delivering both more jobs and more productive jobs. It will attract and grow jobs in higher productivity sectors, transport investment will increase agglomeration effects across the city and investment in training will help existing residents boost their skills and productivity. The mix of jobs and types of employment floorspace to support these jobs at Cambridge East will be the subject of further discussion and testing with the GCSP.