Opened by Queen Elizabeth II herself in 1984, The Grafton Centre has a history as vibrant as the shops within its walls. The Grafton Centre wasn’t always a retail hub. Originally, this area, known as “The Kite,” was a bustling neighborhood of terraced houses, many providing lodgings for students. The 1950s brought plans for commercial development, sparking a 25-year battle between residents and the council. Imagine the scene: empty spaces where homes once stood, the area resembling a battleground. Despite fierce opposition, including benefit concerts featuring the likes of Clive James and members of Monty Python, The Grafton Centre’s construction began in the early 1980s. The project replaced community hubs like the activist-run cafe, Waffles, a much-loved local haunt. The Grafton Centre has seen significant changes since its opening. A £28.5m refurbishment in 2017 aimed to revitalize the space. Yet, challenges remained, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Grafton Centre was put up for sale in 2021, a stark contrast to its grand opening decades earlier. Today, The Grafton Centre stands as a testament to Cambridge’s evolving landscape, a blend of past and present, where a community once thrived and now a shopping center serves a new purpose.
Catholic Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs
Peering up at that towering spire, consider the Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs. It’s more than just