Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Although this consultation is now closed, if you would like to express your interest in moving to the employment zone, or wish to be kept updated please click here  

1. Why are you carrying out this online survey?

South Cambridgeshire District Council want to hear directly from you, as a business, what it is that you want or need from an Employment Zone. What will make this site attractive to you?

We have a vision of what we wish to provide; an exemplar, sustainable, green Employment Zone, supported by great amenities which connect the Employment Zone with the community of Northstowe, whilst providing great transport links to Cambridge City and the A14.

Our vision is to make Northstowe a great place to live and work, and the only way we can achieve that is by asking key stakeholders their views on how we achieve this.

By spending 5 minutes answering questions you can help shape the future Employment Zone.

2. How long is this consultation open for?

The business survey will be open for a period of 6 weeks from 12th September 2022 to 27th October 2022, however, we are still keen to hear from businesses after this date. If the survey has closed, you can still register your interest here and we will keep you updated and answer any questions you have.

We will also be engaging with the local residents and the wider community in a separate residents survey which will be issued later in the year.

3. How are you engaging businesses and local people?

The first phase consultation, which starts on 12th September and runs for 6 weeks, will directly focus on engaging with businesses interested in the Employment Zone. After this, we will launch a wider resident/community survey asking residents their views on the Employment Zone and future local centre provision.

We decided to split the survey into two parts for ease and clarity.

We are really interested in what the wider community has to say, and this is evident in the thriving Northstowe Community Forum we currently hold 4 times a year. Please see here for further details Northstowe Community Forum

4. What are the strategic aims for the Employment Zone?

The strategic aims for Northstowe Employment Zone (not presented in order of any particular priority):

1. A new net zero sustainable enterprise community.
   
   
2. Providing space that can act as an incubator of talent, ideas, and enterprise.
   
   
3. Provide transitional space that provides amenities for the EZ and this part of Northstowe to support placemaking, activation and vibrancy but without detracting or competing with the proposed Northstowe Town Centre.
   
   
4. Targeting quality business space in an integrated, connected, and sustainable environment but not being overly prescriptive on the exact use or types of business that locate within the EZ.
   
   
5. Ensuring that the EZ is realising its potential, can attract investment, occupier interest and development, and that investment can be mobilised quickly.
   
   
6. Creating a legacy at the EZ where interventions and actions can be measured.
   
   
7. To provide a coherent and comprehensive masterplan for the long-term delivery of the EZ.
   
   

5. What are the fundamentals for future development and placemaking activities at the Employment Zone?

These can be summarised as:

1. Prioritise connectivity to the wider Northstowe community and the Guided Busway.
   
   
2. Green and blue infrastructure.
   
   
3. Sustainable performance of buildings targeting net zero sustainable performance
   
   
4. High-quality public realm and connections.
   
   
5. Successful integration with the wider Northstowe community.

6. What are you looking to develop?

We have the vision to create an exemplar and sustainable Employment Zone, the next step in this journey is to ensure our vision matches what businesses want and need.

7. How will the development of the site be funded?

The Council is seeking the best options for delivering this much-needed Employment Zone. Financial viability assessments are underway with the objective to decide the best route to deliver this site.

8. When do you envisage the site being developed?

This is a medium to long term opportunity. We anticipate our research into the viability and funding options to continue over the next 9-12 months, after which we will be in a position to take forward the development of the Employment Zone.

How can I find out more information?

More information is available on South Cambridgeshire District Council's website.

You can contact us to discuss the Northstowe Employment Zone in more detail here.

For more information about Northstowe, you can visit the dedicated Northstowe website here