Government prioritises Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor

Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook MP, has visited Marleigh Park in Cambridge, an example of high-quality, sustainable placemaking delivered by award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group. The tour formed part of the minister’s wider visit to Cambridge to coincide with a £500 million investment boost in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, as the Government prioritises the region as a key area for future investment in innovation, business, housing and infrastructure.

Located on the eastern edge of Cambridge, Marleigh Park is one of the city’s most significant new neighbourhoods and a model for well-planned growth. Once complete, the development will deliver 1,391 new homes, extensive green spaces and a wide range of community amenities, helping to meet local housing needs while supporting the region’s long-term economic vision.

The Minister’s visit to Marleigh Park took place on the same day as the annual Innovate Cambridge Summit, during which Government funding for a new Cambridge Innovation Hub was announced. At least £15 million for the facility will be allocated through the £500 million Oxford-Cambridge Growth Package, helping to boost research, employment and skills in the area.

Marleigh Park exemplifies the type of sustainable, well-connected development that supports the Government’s goals for the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, creating the homes and infrastructure needed to underpin the UK’s innovation economy. During the visit, Mr Pennycook toured the site with the Leader of Cambridge City Council, the Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, and senior representatives from Hill, seeing first-hand how Marleigh Park has evolved into a vibrant and inclusive community since construction began in 2018.

Centred around Jubilee Square, Marleigh Park offers a wide range of local amenities, including a new purpose-built primary school and nursery, a Co-op supermarket, a community centre, a R3FORM fitness studio and a café and deli, all designed to support active and connected lifestyles. The neighbourhood also features play areas, allotments, sports pitches and extensive pedestrian and cycle routes that link directly to Cambridge’s established transport network.

The third and final phase of Marleigh Park, which will deliver 423 new homes, gained planning approval in late 2024 and is set for completion in 2031, completing the vision for this new Cambridge community and demonstrating Hill’s continued commitment to delivering exceptional homes across the Growth Corridor.

Andy Hill OBE, Founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, said:

“The investment in Cambridge as the centre of excellence for science and innovation is great news, but it also requires significant investment in housing and infrastructure to support the people who make that innovation possible. We’re proud that Marleigh Park has set a high standard for sustainable neighbourhood design in Cambridge and has created a thriving, connected community where people love to live. We have successfully delivered a wide range of large-scale residential-led developments across both Cambridge and Oxford, so we are closely aligned with the ambitions for the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor. The Hill Group remains committed to working with local and national partners to help meet the country’s housing needs while supporting economic growth across this key region.”

Cllr Bridget Smith, Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, said:

“The Minister’s visit to Marleigh Park offered a valuable opportunity to see firsthand how sustainable urban development can successfully deliver high-quality facilities in our area to create vibrant and resilient communities for generations to come. The visit was timely, coming shortly after the Government’s announcement for major investment and hopes for a centrally led Development Corporation for Greater Cambridge.

“We have lobbied successive governments for national support on the infrastructure we need, including on wastewater and water supply. We’ve also made clear time and time again the challenges our local area faces when it comes to traffic and public transport. Getting this right is a top priority if we are to continue to ensure Greater Cambridge is a great place to live, grow-up, work and learn.

“We hope that a Development Corporation’s capabilities, including the ability to call upon the resources of the Government, potentially provide a means to address some of these challenges – but it’s key that local voices shape any decisions about our area. We will be working with Government to ensure the priorities of local people are fully considered.”

 

Cllr Cameron Holloway, Leader of Cambridge City Council, said:

“I welcome the Government’s major investment in Cambridge and engagement on key challenges facing our area, including housing affordability, water infrastructure, and the insufficient space on our roads. I look forward to working with the Government in the coming year to improve the quality of life for current and future residents of our area and to contribute to national prosperity.

“We are proud that Cambridge makes a major contribution to research, development and economic growth for the UK and the world, and we want to work with Government and the Cambridge Growth Company to ensure that that continues.

“But, as Minister Pennycook set out Thursday, future growth of the city must also invest in existing and new communities to tackle the stark inequalities in our city, while protecting the environment and making Cambridge a great place to live, work and study.

“Marleigh Park is a good example of high-quality, sustainable urban development that provides excellent community facilities for current and future residents.”