Morning, Tuesday, 4th June 2024
This conference will assess latest developments and next steps for the Oxford to Cambridge region, and proposals for continued development and investment following the establishment of the pan-regional partnership.
Delegates will consider progress so far and priorities moving forward if the partnership’s aims are to be achieved in coordinating collaboration between local authorities to develop economic and infrastructure strategy. A focus for discussion will be next steps for engagement with communities, businesses, investors, higher education and other key stakeholders in the future of the region.
The agenda will bring out latest thinking on addressing challenges for taking forward infrastructure, transport and housing development plans, along with issues for local communities and residents.
We expect discussion on the viability of the East-West Rail project and strategic priorities for unlocking economic benefits, following NAO’s recent investigation, which highlighted the need for strategic policy coordination if anticipated benefits are to be realised.
The conference will be an opportunity to assess implications of the Government’s publication in the Spring Budget of the Case for Cambridge, with plans to establish a development corporation and proposals to increase house building in the area before 2050.
Further sessions include discussion on the region’s environment and sustainability, as well as key issues following the partnership’s recent publication of their Integrated Water Management Framework and the agreement of its environment work programme last September. Delegates will consider strategies for meeting net zero targets and water management as part of wider development plans in the region.
Stakeholders and policymakers will also assess key issues for the region’s Investment Atlas database, following commencement of the project in May 2023. They will discuss its potential to aid investor decision-making and boost confidence, as well as its effectiveness in providing investment opportunities and strengthening existing assets as it aims to unlock international and private sector investment for the region.
We are pleased to be able to include a keynote session with Independent Chair of the Oxford to Cambridge Partnership, Dipesh Shah.
The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from Defra; DLUHC; DfT; HMT; and ONS.
