Rob Hopwood
Partner, Planning
Head of Oxford to Cambridge Arc
Rob’s infectious energy has driven two decades of planning success for promoters, developers and landowners across the Oxford to Cambridge Arc.
Rob’s infectious energy has driven two decades of planning success for promoters, developers and landowners across the Oxford to Cambridge Arc.
As someone who helped to secure planning permission for the world’s largest microchip manufacturer in record-breaking time, and who was streamed live on Bangladeshi TV for a uniquely community-focussed and award-winning project, Rob is an energetic people-person who always strives to deliver.
Clients rely on him to oversee multiple sites and large multi-disciplinary project teams because his positive energy brings people together and makes things happen. He leads Bidwells’ Oxford to Cambridge Arc team and advises clients on development opportunities and planning strategy across this nationally important growth corridor.
Rob has a rock-solid knowledge of local government procedures and hierarchies, having worked in a few himself, which means he connects at all levels with the right people at the right time.
Sustainable development is more important than ever to Rob, who promotes cutting-edge innovation in planning for a green economic recovery.
An introduction to legacy development opportunities
Bidwells has exceeded themselves; this is going to be a hard act to follow.
Accreditations
Will development corporations deliver big for Cambridge?
Planning Partner and Lead on the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, Rob Hopwood, comments on the planning system and its effect on Cambridge's development. This piece was first seen in React News.
Our reaction to today's Autumn Statement
Partners from Cambridge and Oxford have provided Bidwells’ reaction to today’s (Nov 22) Autumn Statement, looking at whether the Chancellor has gone far enough in support of two of the UK’s most important city economies.
Consider joining the Landowner-Led Legacy Development
Legacy development focuses on preserving and enhancing the natural environment for future generations. It is an increasingly popular approach to creating sustainable, livable communities that benefit the people within them and the surrounding environment.
Your site has legacy development potential, but where to start?
Your site has development potential, but where to start? Two of Bidwells’ development experts answer the typical questions to consider from a landowner’s perspective.
Stunning Cambridge mosque shortlisted for 2021 Stirling Prize
The judges of this year’s RIBA Stirling Prize have shortlisted the Cambridge Mosque, a project delivered by Bidwells’ planners and project managers from inception to completion.
Driving Economic Prosperity and Growth in the Centre of the Arc
Bidwells' first report in the Unleashing the Arc paper series brings together views from across the Oxford to Cambridge Arc to discuss driving economic prosperity and growth in the central region.
Digital consultation can open up Arc conversation to everyone who cares about the region
The chance to shape the future of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc is approaching in June. With digital planning opening up new channels of communication, it’s time for everyone to make their voice heard, says Rob Hopwood, Bidwells planning Partner.
Government’s Oxford Cambridge Arc plan to help drive £20bn investment
As leading property advisor to the science and technology sector Bidwells welcomes government moves announced this morning that will help bring billions of pounds of funding for jobs, housing and infrastructure into the Arc’s knowledge economy.
What's next for the Oxford-Cambridge Arc's knowledge economy?
Our latest Oxford to Cambridge Arc webinar took place this week with guests debating the future of the initiative with planning partner and Arc lead, Rob Hopwood.
Knowledge Networks: London and the Ox-Cam Arc
In partnership with Bidwells, New London Architecture (NLA) has today (June 10) launched its long-awaited research paper ‘Knowledge Networks: London and the Ox-Cam Arc’.
Cambridge Mosque project scoops prestigious awards
Cambridge’s first purpose-built mosque - project led and planned by Bidwells - has won the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) East of England Regional Awards, the British Construction Industry Awards (BCIA), and the Structural Timber Awards
Oxford-Cambridge Arc agenda shaping up
At the end of 2018, Bidwells, together with Estates Gazette (EG), hosted a conference examining the investment potential of Oxford-Cambridge Arc, with Treasury Minister Robert Jenrick MP opening the day by describing the Arc as a “national priority” and “one of the world’s greatest economic opportunities”.
What is the East West Rail link?
The East West Rail link, also called the Varsity Line, is the railway route that once linked Oxford and Cambridge. It allowed for quick and easy travel between the two university towns, and also provided easy access to Milton Keynes.
Where Will the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway Go?
The Oxford to Cambridge Expressway is a proposed dual carriageway set to run between Oxford and Cambridge via Milton Keynes. The objective is to allow for faster travel between these towns. The expressway has the potential to have a big impact on the ‘Golden Triangle’ of London, Oxford and Cambridge.
Introducing the Oxbridge Growth Corridor
The Cambridge-Milton Keynes-Oxford Growth Corridor is of vital economic importance in the UK; home to leading international universities and science and technology companies.
Varsity Line Timeline
The East-West rail link, sometimes known as the Varsity Line, between Oxford and Cambridge is a major UK railway infrastructure project with delivery set for 2030. Bidwells looks at the timeline for completion of this key development.
The Oxford-Milton Keynes-Cambridge Expressway
The Oxford-Milton Keynes-Cambridge Expressway aims to improve the current weak transport links to connect the top cities in the Golden Triangle.
Opportunities and potential impact of the planned improved rail and road links between Oxford and Cambridge
Bidwells recently hosted its latest Rural Breakfast Seminar which explored the opportunities and potential impact that plans for improved rail and road links between Oxford and Cambridge could bring.
Helping shape the UK's fastest growing property market - The Oxford-Cambridge Arc
A long-term, strategic relationship with an iconic English institution
Enhancing the community with Europe’s first ever eco-mosque
London Real Estate Forum 2021
Wed 29 Sep 2021, 08:00 - Thu 30 Sep 2021, 16:00
What's next for the Oxford-Cambridge Arc's knowledge economy?
Wed 29 Jul 2020, 11:00
Unleashing the Arc: Is the green belt choking green economic growth?
Thu 22 Oct 2020, 11:00 - 12:00