Berkeley Homes prides itself on its approach to community consultation and involvement throughout the design evolution process. Not only have we listened to the concerns of local residents and reacted appropriately wherever possible, but we have actively encouraged the community to suggest ways in which this development can make a positive impact on the neighbourhood of which it will become an integral part.
Owing to the natural synergies between potential Public Realm Improvements and the emergent Public Art & Public Realm Strategies for Brunswick Riverside, Berkeley Homes are continuing discussions with Cambridge City Council concerning a comprehensive approach to the local environment generally.
Whilst further agreement in due course with a raft of different stakeholders will be necessary to deliver many of the improvements that we will outline below, the following is a framework for discussions with officers from Cambridge City Council and Cambridgeshire County Council pursuant to the S106 Agreement currently being negotiated.
Following extensive public consultation over the last 12 – 18 months, the consultant team have identified four principle areas that they believe to be of most relevance to residents within the surrounding neighbourhood in light of the current proposals for the Brunswick Site.
One of the key themes underpinning the design rationale behind these proposals is the opening up of the Brunswick Site to the general public and the creation of a greatly improved public experience within and around the development. The proposals for the art gallery and café already touched upon above would help to create a focal point for people moving between Riverside and the Grafton and City Centres.
This area of Public Realm, particularly alongside and below the Elizabeth Way Flyover, has been identified as an area of particular concern to local residents and users. Discussions are currently ongoing with officers from Cambridge City Council concerning potential public realm improvements to the eastern end of Midsummer Common where it abuts the Brunswick Site and Walnut Tree Avenue.
The principle point of access to the development from both the Grafton and City Centres will be through Newmarket Road via the newly acquired Brunswick House site. Improvements to the streetscape and potential interventions along the stretch of Public Highway could deliver tangible benefits for both future occupants and the community as a whole.
By providing artwork embedded into the onsite public thoroughfares, visibility and usage of the site will be greatly increased, the public will be encouraged to travel through areas specified for walking and cycling, increasing the usability and access to Midsummer Common.
