Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson visited Cambridge West to see first-hand how it is evolving.
Cambridge West combines academia, research, and entrepreneurship, co-locating world-class academic talent with knowledge-intensive businesses. Once complete, the campus is expected to employ 14,000 people, reinforcing the local economy as a driving force behind the UK’s innovation-led economic growth.
The visit also provided an opportunity to welcome Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ backing of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough economy in her speech last month. It included a commitment to deliver East West Rail, a new Fens Reservoir to help secure future water supply, and it welcomed the University of Cambridge’s ambition for a new Innovation Hub. Alongside Cambridge West, this Innovation Hub will further bolster the dynamic economy, supporting business growth and technological breakthroughs, creating jobs and opportunity for the region.
During the visit, the Mayor met with senior figures from the University of Cambridge, including Diarmuid O’Brien, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Innovation. The visit started at West Hub – itself a groundbreaking, publicly accessible multi-purpose facility, which was part-funded by the Combined Authority.
They toured facilities which exemplify the region’s pioneering research and breakthroughs. Among the highlights were the Ray Dolby Centre, which will serve as the UK’s National Facility for Physics departments, and a previous visit to the Cambridge Graphene Centre, which is innovating in the field of advanced materials.
Mayor Dr Nik Johnson said: “The Chancellor has recognised Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s economy as a critical driver of the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy, so it was fantastic to see what’s already being achieved at Cambridge West. It serves as a real-world demonstration of the exciting innovation and ambition which makes our region special.”
