The Cambridge Growth Company (CGC) has appointed advisors to develop a long-term growth strategy for Greater Cambridge.

Buro Happold, which will lead the team, Prior + Partners and other technical experts have been appointed and will now work to prepare a vision for the area.

CGC will work collaboratively with locally elected leaders and the mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. It will also access support from a number of government departments where required, to pursue infrastructure-led growth.

It says the appointment marks a “significant step” towards shaping a sustainable and strategic future for the Greater Cambridge region working in parallel with but extending over a longer period than the emerging Local Plan.

The Local Plan is being developed by the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service representing Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council.

By drawing on insights into the knowledge economy, infrastructure, housing, employment, transport, and the natural environment, the evidence base will act as a foundation for identifying challenges and opportunities, policy development and a future spatial strategy.

Key areas of focus will be overcoming transport congestion and water scarcity.

CGC is based in the city and has already commenced recruitment for a number of additional executive roles within the company to build its capacity and expertise over the coming months. These roles will be advertised locally in coming weeks.

Buro Happold is leading the team to shape the evidence base, strategy and implementation plan.

Roger Savage, project director, said: “We look forward to working with local partners on addressing the challenges of the area. In developing the evidence base for the growth company we will consider ways which planning for growth can deliver a quality of life dividend for existing and future communities through investment in the environment and infrastructure.”

Prior + Partners is an urban planning, masterplanning and economic consultancy known for its role in shaping major urban regeneration and expansion projects.

The multidisciplinary team will also include technical expertise and local knowledge, from BNP Paribas Real Estate, CBA, LUC, Peter Studdert, Turner and Townsend and Womble, and Bond Dickinson.