Cambridge City Council has approved a £54 million redevelopment project for East Barnwell, one of the city’s most promising areas. The scheme will see the construction of 120 new council homes, a new library, and a community centre.

The regeneration will transform the Newmarket Road junction area, with existing buildings, including the Abbey Bowls Club, the library, and a parade of shops, set to be replaced. In their place, the project will deliver 42 one-bedroom flats, 61 two-bedroom flats, 12 three-bedroom flats, and four three-bedroom maisonettes.

The plans, put forward by the Cambridge Investment Partnership, aim to create a vibrant new local centre. Councillor Gerri Bird, executive councillor for housing, emphasised the positive impact of the project: “These homes are desperately needed. It is 100 per cent for council tenants, which is the most important thing.”

The planning committee ultimately voted to approve the redevelopment plans, marking a bright future for East Barnwell.