Purpose

Approval to proceed with the submission of a planning application and funding to deliver the next stage of the project.

Content

Cabinet resolved to:

 

I.             
agree to support this transformative project to
restore and modernise the Guildhall, Corn Exchange, Market Square and Public
Realm in the historic heart of Cambridge.

II.            
agree to Option 4 to take it forward - that a
recommendation is made to Full Council for a capital budget of up to £4.4m to
be allocated to fund the technical design development, detailed development
programme and to finalise the total direct and indirect costs of the project.

III.          
agree to develop technical designs with traders
and stakeholders

IV.         
delegate authority to the Assistant Director for
Development to submit the designs as put forward for the Guildhall, Corn
Exchange, Market Square and associated public realm for Planning Consideration;

V.           
delegate authority to the Assistant Director for
Development in consultation with the Leader and CEO to approve non-material
amendments and/or s73 amendments to the designs as put forward;

VI.         
delegate authority to the Director of Economy
and Place in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer regarding the disposal
of Mandela House.

 

Cabinet resolved to note:

 

I.             
the Capital Budget is to be allocated from the
existing earmarked Civic Quarter Development reserve

II.            
the project is affordable at the current
estimated project cost which could be up to £92.3m

III.          
a report will be issued to Cabinet and then to
Full Council in September 2026 regarding the final proposals and costs

IV.         
feedback to Cabinet from the Performance, Assets
and Strategy Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting of 9 September 2025.