Feedback

The feedback we received during our first consultation in December 2020 has helped us to shape the scheme which is now detailed here.

We asked a series of questions about our early proposals, the results of which are recorded below:

1. How do you feel about having a new public park in your local area?

86%

feel neutral
to positively

2. What new amenities would add the most value to the Mill Road area? Respondents could select up to 4 options.

3. Which design approach do you believe is most important for Devonshire Gardens? Respondents could select up to 4 options - 1 being the highest priority, 4 being the lowest.

1
Eco-friendly design

2
Supporting
health & wellbeing

3
Complement
Mill Road

4
Reflect Cambridge's heritage

4. What kind of public and green spaces would you like most for Devonshire Gardens? Respondents could select up to 4 options - 1 being the highest priority, 4 being the lowest.

1
More trees & biodiversity

2
Open, grassed areas

3
Landscaped gardens

4
Space for bandstand/pavilion

5. What social features would you like new public spaces to include? Respondents could select up to 4 options.

6. How can transport links around the development be improved?

7. How can the development be more sustainable? Respondents could select up to 3 options.

These results have been incorporated into our proposals where possible.

You said, we did

Feedback

Our response

57% of the community considered local independent retail as being important in the area.

We will complement the independent identity of Mill Road, with improved footfall and new opportunities for local businesses.

55% voted for ‘community space’.

Proposals for Devonshire Gardens will include indoor and outdoor space for community use.

Various groups of voters suggested different features for the new public space - but the popular choice was to have a community garden within Devonshire Gardens.

Our proposals for a public park will now include ‘edible planting’ and opportunities for ‘community gardening’, promoting healthy, sociable and sustainable lifestyles. For example, these spaces could help educate younger people about issues such as healthy sustainable food and support local charitable initiatives.

Each group of voters expressed their desire for Devonshire Gardens to prioritise eco-friendly design.

We are committed to delivering a highly sustainable development. We have employed sustainability experts, Bioregional, to embed environmentally-friendly principles, through their unique One Planet Living framework. This holistic approach includes a fabric first approach to design, with renewable energy, net increase in biodiversity and a car-free development prioritising pedestrians and cyclists.

Better pedestrian routes was the most popular selection for this poll question achieving 67% of the votes.

We have prioritised pedestrians, creating additional and accessible space for local people to walk, exercise, relax and socialise. This includes wider, more spacious paving, separation from cars and cyclists, and improved natural ‘eyes on the street’, for a safer and more pleasant pedestrian experience along Devonshire Road.

The most popular choice across each group of voters was for Devonshire Gardens to have more trees and biodiversity.

We are committed to delivering a highly sustainable development. This brownfield site will be extensively greened with a new public park, additional plants and trees. First Base and Railpen are proud to be proposing a substantial net increase in biodiversity at Devonshire Gardens, supporting flora and fauna and enhancing local health and wellbeing.

Ecological infrastructure was the most popular answer across Visitor, Work, Business or Resident.

We are committed to delivering a highly sustainable development. A fabric first approach to design will promote the use of sustainable materials, renewable energy and net increase in biodiversity. Flora and fauna will flourish, as this brownfield site is extensively greened with a new public park, additional plants and trees, bird boxes, bug hotels and other ecological improvements.

More trees and bringing nature back into the city was a key part of feedback.

We will be planting approximately 100 new trees throughout the scheme, to encourage nature to thrive and green the site.

We are continuing to seek feedback on our evolved designs and encourage you to give your feedback so that we can continue to work together as we shape the future of Devonshire Gardens.

Please do leave your feedback

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