Concilio’s Managing Director, Nick Dines, sat down with the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow, at UKREiiF.
In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Managing Director, Nick Dines, sat down with the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow, at UKREiiF to discuss Our Time is Now – the Mayor’s bold vision for unlocking the region’s full potential.
Paul highlighted the importance of ensuring growth benefits for the whole region – not just Cambridge, but also places like Peterborough, which he sees as having significant untapped potential. He committed to strategic infrastructure like a Cambridge Light Rail system – calling it more suitable and future-proof than current bus-based schemes such as CSET.
Paul also spoke about the need for greater political unity across parties and local authorities, positioning the mayoralty as a powerful regional voice – inspired by figures like Andy Burnham and Ben Houchen. He was clear about the need for governance reform, suggesting bodies like the Greater Cambridge Partnership, may no longer be fit for purpose and should be replaced by more streamlined structures, including the potential creation of two new unitary authorities.
With new devolved planning powers akin to those held by the Mayor of London, Paul is now able to deliver a pro-growth Spatial Development Strategy. He spoke of the need to shape long-term development – including around 150,000 new homes – to ensure it meets the needs of local people and future generations.
Finally, he spotlighted major strategic ambitions such as a new stadium for Peterborough, underlining the importance of getting ahead of growth to ensure it delivers for communities across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
