Cambridge City Council welcomes £15million Grafton Centre investment

1.58.13pm GMT Mon 19th Jan 2009

Cllr Rod Cantrill

Ambitious plans for a £15 million refurbishment of Cambridge's Grafton Centre have been welcomed by the city council.

The council claims:

• The Grafton Centre is a crucial element in Cambridge's shopping centre and the announcement reinforces Prudential's long term commitment to Cambridge.

• It is a demonstration of support for the Grafton/Fitzroy/Burleigh shopping area where there has been a recent trend of retail businesses leaving.

• The Council is very concerned at this trend, in particular in relation to proposed closure of M&S Simply Food store, the only food store in this part of the city.

• The Council will shortly meet with representatives of key bodies with power to influence the vitality of the Kite district to explore what other steps can be taken to enhance the attractiveness of the area and ensure a diverse and vibrant retail offering.

Rod Cantrill, Executive Councillor, responsible for City Centre Management, commented:

"The refurbishment plans for the Grafton is great news and a vote of confidence in Cambridge. This, together with plans for Primark to open in Burleigh Street, will be key cornerstones in reinvigorating the retail offer in the area and importantly should result in more trade for independent retailers in the vicinity.

"We will be sitting down with key stakeholders in the area over the next few weeks to discuss what others steps we can take to assist in this effort