Is Cambridge the number one 'clone town'?

15th September 2010

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A recent report has named Cambridge as Britain's number one 'clone town'.

The study, published by national think tank, The New Economic Foundation, claimed that Cambridge city centre is a 'clone zone' populated by bland, homogenous, chain stores and brands.

Focusing on what it outlines as the main shopping area in Cambridge - Lion Yard, Market Hill, Petty Cury and Sidney Street - the think tank explained that the entire combination of individual streets contained just nine different varieties of shops.

The report has sparked anger among local city leaders and business people. Mayor Sheila Stuart commented: “They obviously have not surveyed the right areas. We have a variety of vibrant independent stores on Green Street and King Street."

“They need to look at the bigger picture. Obviously each city is dependent of chain stores which can occupy some of the bigger shops, but Cambridge has a wonderful mix of independents and big brand named stores.”

Emma Thornton, head of tourism and city centre management, added: “It is quite apparent that the authors have either not visited Cambridge at all, or did not spend very long here."

“The shopping offer is made up of 20 city centre shopping areas, all inter-connected, of equal importance and individual character and within close walking distance of each other. I will most certainly be following this up with the report authors directly and suggesting that they take the time to review the locations they are ‘naming and shaming’.”