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Professor Germaine Greer suggests controversial scheme for Cambridge's skyline
How should Cambridge deal with the pressures to build extra housing? In the BBC East programme Building Britain (Monday 18 June, 10.35pm, BBC One East), Professor Germaine Greer suggests a controversial solution that could have a dramatic impact on the skyline of the great city.
Arguing against further urban sprawl across the beautiful Cambridge countryside, Professor Greer tries to persuade viewers that a series of 70-storey high housing "Needles" should be built on the site of Marshall's airport, which would be visible right across the historic city of Cambridge.
She believes this would leave the smallest possible footprint whilst providing new residential space.
Greer is supported in her idea by architect Ted Cullinen, who appreciates the boldness of the scheme but cautions that such a radical idea might find it hard to find favour.
Architectural students from the town interviewed for the programme were far less keen.
Professor Greer also visits some of the region's villages and towns, rich in historic buildings, and looks at the difficult challenges they face in accommodating new development.
From Great Chesterford in Essex to Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk, each is battling to preserve their charm whilst allowing in the new. Her view is that ordinary dwellings not grand buildings are the most precious buildings, and that the need for new homes poses the biggest challenge.
The debate about how Cambridge should develop continues at a recorded joint Royal Institute of British Architects and BBC debate at New Hall in Cambridge on Thursday 21 June 2007 from 6pm.
Tickets for the event are free of charge and available by emailing riba.east@inst.riba.org or calling 01223 566285.
The debate, hosted by Christopher South, will be broadcast on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire on Sunday 24 June at 4pm on 96FM and DAB Digital Radio.
Building Britain will be broadcast on Monday 18 June at 10.35pm on BBC One (East).
Pictures of Professor Germaine Greer's proposed 70-storey Needles are available on request.
NT
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