What is the Arc?
The Oxford-Cambridge Arc was identified by the National Infrastructure Commission as a ‘growth corridor’ and has since received support from the government, including being declared a national economic priority area. The Arc is already globally significant and is formed of 5 ceremonial counties: Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire.
The Oxford-Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework must unleash the potential of the area sustainably, providing a powerhouse that contributes to the economy, produces job and educational opportunities and improved living standards.
Successful delivery of the Arc should result in:
A powerhouse which provides benefits within and outside of its boundary, with economic growth and increased educational opportunities through partnership and collaboration
The Oxford-Cambridge Arc is on the cusp of reaching its full powerhouse potential. The Spatial Framework is key to the successful delivery of the Arc and it is very important that the development of the Framework brings together a wide-range of public and private stakeholders. To be successful development must be collaborative and should provide a platform for linking the Arc with the wider geography. The creation of the conditions to drive economic prosperity and growth in the Arc will need commitment and partnership, public and private sector working in tandem, including partnership between higher and further education providers and business. It must have a coherent educational offer with collaboration between education and business to ensure the skills required by industry are available.
Business strongly believes the Arc must build upon its global competitiveness and ensure that it continues to be an attractive place to invest and grow business. Business connectivity should be a focus, not just in terms of transport but also the business support ecosystem. The Arc is of great importance to the boundaries set out by government, the outlying areas and the wider UK, with investment in the Arc contributing to further investment across the UK. The Arc should develop an investment and exports strategy that can safeguard regional growth and prosperity.
A well-managed and sustainable environment, with a thriving green economy
A bold vision of the green potential and future of the Arc is crucial. In addition to this the branding must hinge around a strong locally driven vision, which has inclusivity, economic prosperity and growth at its heart. The Arc needs to be sustainable, including across value chains, with true partnership between business and public sector. The green economy should be a key focus, with the Arc known as the place for green skills, green living and green industry, for example sustainable aviation.
Improved physical and digital connectivity, better coordinated infrastructure and development as well as improved living standards
Poor connectivity is often highlighted by business as a barrier to growth, the Arc has an opportunity to alleviate these challenges using sustainable transport solutions and improving digital connectivity. The Spatial Framework provides an opportunity for the Arc to address connectivity and infrastructure challenges in an overarching manner, preventing the common pitfall of a series of small projects rather than true transformational projects, it should have holistic view of business needs, leisure travel and freight.
Place-making must be inclusive; creating communities with jobs, homes, infrastructure and services considered from the start. Growth should be managed carefully across the Arc to minimise impact on the environment, reducing the need for travel and maximising the ability for business to benefit from infrastructure and networks with other, similar companies. Lingering pockets of deprivation and left-behind communities within the Arc would undermine the very principle of levelling up.
Next steps
When we engage with the OxCam Arc Unit in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on this issue, we are championing the voice of business. Read our full submission to the consultation by clicking the download link below. For more information on this issue, or to learn how you can contribute to any future submissions on this topic, please contact Helena Coe.