Mayor James Palmer describes Cambridge United's new stadium plans as an exciting vision
Mayor James Palmer has labelled Cambridge United’s stadium proposals as an exciting concept.
The club have identified a site, close to junction 35 of the A14, which it hopes can form part of a wider scheme to link in with the transport network, and the CAM metro proposed by the mayor of the Combined Authority of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Mr Palmer talked of the CAM metro system as creating a platform for growth in the region, and aiding the issue of Cambridge’s congested roads.
“This metro system is about solving transport across a very wide area including Cambridge itself,” said Mr Palmer.
“The exciting thing about the concept of the stadium is they have looked at the metro, and thought ‘how can we make sure if we build a new stadium we can link it in not just to Cambridge itself, but the entire county? We can do that by putting it right next to the metro, making sure that the metro stops at it’.
“I think that’s an exciting example of the kind of thinking that CAM metro will bring to the whole of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Of course, public transport is absolutely key.”
Mr Palmer explained the idea for the CAM metro is to create a network that reaches every part of the county, and that to have a new home for the U’s would be transformational for the club and the way people travel to games.
“I think the vision that Cambridge United have is very exciting,” he said.
“As everybody knows, I’m a huge football fan anyway and I’ve been going to see Cambridge United for 45 years on and off.
“It excites me as a supporter, as a member of the public and as someone who cares deeply about sport itself.”
Moving the spiritual home of the U’s just a couple of miles down the road would also be significant.
“When clubs move football grounds and a long distance, they lose the identity they have,” added Mr Palmer.
“This new stadium, with the concept position, it needs to be close to the city but in a stadium that is more suited to the ideals and the type of place Cambridge is. I really think it’s a great concept.”
