Cambridge City
Cambridge’s historic environment is a major factor defining the character of the city and its setting, contributing significantly to the quality of life of its residents and visitors. The city has a varied architectural heritage, from the internationally recognised grandeur of King’s College Chapel to the more modest vernacular buildings reminiscent of an East Anglian market town. The green open spaces such as the commons, greens and The Backs are also key features of the city’s life and layout. There are the Victorian streets west of the city centre, and the railway-related development of the Newtown and Romsey areas. Then early 20th Century extensions of the city to the south and west and the post-war suburbs of King’s Hedges, Arbury, and Abbey Wards. Also, there are the college grounds, cemeteries and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden.
The number of grade I and grade II* listed buildings is high, with an exceptional concentration of collegiate buildings around the arc of the River Cam. However, in addition some buildings have been formally recognised as “Buildings of Local Interest” - although not likely to meet the current criteria for statutory listing, such local heritage assets are important to their locality for their cultural, architectural and historical contribution and reinforce local distinctiveness and sense of place. The current list can be found here
There is now an opportunity to look at whether there are more candidates for this Local List. They may be for instance, structures and buildings associated with some of the features referred to above or other types of asset not fully represented so far. Local heritage assets, including buildings, structures, features and gardens of local interest, are an important element of the rich history of the city.
It is anticipated that each District list will remain an open and active document. They are not exhaustive and further candidates for Local listing will continually come forward. They will allow for change and loss to be recorded and for new assets to be discovered, or existing assets reassessed, should more information come to light. These will not include everything that could be potentially listed, and new candidates for local listing are likely to come forward in the development management process. We actively encourage members of the public to continue to put forward candidates.