Discussion Of The Lion Yard Scheme In Cambridge

Differences of opinion about a proposed development scheme for Lion Yard, Cambridge.

For this ‘About Anglia’ sequence, David Frost interviews two people representing opposing views about the proposed redevelopment of Lion Yard, Cambridge. Alice Roughton is opposed to the plan, and Councillor Murfitt, Chairman of the County Planning Committee is in favour. They respond to questions about the Minister’s rejection of the scheme, sitting in a garden amidst birdsong. Mrs Roughton is clearly more at ease than Mr Murfitt and there is a sense of underlying friction. David Frost asks for their interpretation of the Minister's letter informing of the rejection of the plan. Alice Roughton stresses the point that money need not be the primary consideration and that development of the area need not be heavily commercial. Councillor Murfitt finds the reasons unclear and says he does not attach weight to the letter, it is a ‘lame excuse for a bad decision’. He says that the plans were not detailed, just a ground plan and underground car park but Mrs Roughton responds that the plan does include 34 shops and traffic congestion must be a consideration. Councillor Murfitt says ‘surely there can’t be a more important use for a town centre than shopping’. Mrs Roughton disagrees and suggests the town has other needs including premises for social welfare services, Citizens’ Advice Bureau, and public restrooms. Councillor Murfitt says that everyone is trying to preserve Cambridge as a University town, but some people prioritise university over town interests. Alice Roughton objects and says that she represents the town, and has nothing to do with the University objections. David Frost asks what they would like to happen next. Councillor Murfitt’s response is unclear due to a technical issue in the recording. Alice Roughton hopes for wider discussion.

Keywords

Town planning; shopping

Background Information

This article explains the context for the Lion Yard development http://archive.spectator.co.uk/article/15th-june-1962/9/plans-for-cambridge Construction work on the Lion Yard development, bounded by St Andrew's Street, Corn Exchange Street, and Petty Cury, commenced in 1970 and the centre contained a library, multi-storey car park and magistrates' court. For many years a central feature of the atrium was a large white pillar with the statue of a red lion on the top of it, safely out of easy reach. This recalled the Red Lion pub which had occupied the site until demolished in 1969. The Lion Yard was significantly refurbished in the late 1990s/early 2000s. It is now connected to the large undercover mall, the Grand Arcade which adjoins Lion Yard on its south side. David Frost grew up in Suffolk. After graduating from Cambridge University, he spent several months working for Anglia Television before moving to London.