Plans to develop city announced

Called the Ely Masterplan, the scheme, by East Cambridgeshire District Council has been described as a blueprint for the growth of the city.

It sets out areas for potential growth in the north, south and centre of the city and the creation of 3,000-6,000 new jobs.

Feasibility studies are to be conducted on proposed sites.

The council said it will be looking at six key areas:

• Rescuing the heart of Ely from traffic
• Strengthen Ely as a place to visit and shop
• Broadening local employment
• Securing better leisure facilities
• Widening housing choice
• Reinforcing the social infrastructure

Cllr Brian Ashton, council leader, said: "Since last May, we have been working hard to develop a clear, comprehensive and coherent view for the future of Ely.

"From our commitment to a southern bypass to a country park development we are trying to plan a future which creates a place that people want to live and work in.

"We are proposing to grow the population to 26,000 - 28,000 and create over 3,000 - 6,000 new jobs at a rate which can be managed."

He added: "Ultimately this Masterplan does not belong to one organisation or one person. We all have ownership of this future."

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