Cambridge road could see ‘streetscape’ changes as locals asked for feedback

The county council has funding for some early works on Mill Road, including £11,000 for new planters and funding for partial road resurfacing

Mill Road could see changes to its “streetscape” as Cambridge residents have been asked for feedback on the street. Cambridgeshire County Council has asked local architects and urban designers 5th Studio to run engagement events about the future of Mill Road.

The council said improvements could include more places to sit, planters, crossings, parking, new trees and greenery, changes to lighting, additional art, and more provision for shop deliveries and active travel. Public drop-in sessions will be held in the area in late June and July.

Councillor Alex Beckett, chair of the highways and transport committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “Mill Road is one of the most special streets in Cambridge. It is a real hub of our community, full of brilliant independent businesses, and a place that people who live, work, study and shop here feel genuinely proud of. It belongs to all of us, and that is exactly why I want us to shape its future together.

“Co-design is about putting that future in the community’s hands right from the start. We have asked local experts 5th Studio to lead this engagement and to feed back to us on what they hear. There are no proposals on the table and no survey to fill in. We simply want to hear from local people at the very beginning, before any ideas are drawn up.”

The county council has funding for some early works on Mill Road, including £11,000 for new planters and funding for partial road resurfacing. Any future large-scale works would be subject to securing additional funding.

Cllr Beckett continued: “So please come along and tell us what you value, what already works, and what could work better for everyone. If there is an appetite for change, we want to know how much and what kind. Mill Road is loved by all of us, and if we come together now we have a real chance to create something amazing for the whole community.”

Informal community drop-in events will be held on:

• Tuesday 30 June, 12pm – 3pm at St Philip’s Church, 185 Mill Rd, Cambridge, CB1 3AN.
• Saturday 4 July, 10:30am – 5pm at The Old School Hall (St Barnabas Centre), St Barnabas Church, Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 2BD. Entrance separate from the Church.
• Thursday 16 July, 4:30pm – 7:30pm at St Philip’s Church, 185 Mill Rd, Cambridge, CB1 3AN.
• Wednesday 22 July, 4:30pm – 7:30pm at Mill Road Community Centre, 6 Hazell Street, Cambridge, CB1 2GN.