Update from Homes England on Northstowe, Phase Two – Autumn/Winter 2024
Here’s your latest update from Homes England, the Master Developer for Northstowe Phase Two and Three. Find out what’s been done, what’s happening, and what you can look forward to.
If you live on Phase Two neighbouring these works, you will have had the full Homes England Newsletter through your door – you can view this online.
“What’s happening next in Northstowe?”
It’s a question we’re often asked… and it’s an important one.
The short answer is, “Lots!” But of course, there’s many Phase Two developments for you to know about and many milestones reached, so we’re keen to fill you in.
Distant, future work moves ever closer
It was brilliant to celebrate together as the new lake signage and sculptures were unveiled. As you take a walk around Unity Lake and Halcyon Mere, you won’t miss the big areas of land now being cleared. The previously distant, future construction sites are moving ever closer to the present Northstowe story.
It’s an exciting time but, importantly, it’s not a secret! We need you, the Northstowe community, to be involved throughout Phase Two and beyond.
Work below the surface lets us build strongly above ground
We’ll quickly notice the change in seasons over the coming weeks, with leaves falling and plants heading underground to prepare for next spring. Of course, this process is crucial for the growth we’ll see above ground before we know it.
The same can be said of the work of Homes England across Phase Two. The developers are working hard for you and for Northstowe, with a massive amount of work taking place out of sight and often below the surface – Spring 2025 promises much.
New roads, new homes, new neighbours
As Phase Two work continues, Northstowe is now well and truly on the map… and on your SatNav. Earlier in the year, we celebrated naming the new access road – “Northstowe Avenue” road signs now proudly mark our route home along the Southern Gateway from the A14.
We’ve recently welcomed lots of new neighbours to the Keepmoat homes along Stirling Fields, accessed from Stirling Road, opposite the Martin Bacon Academy within the Northstowe Learning Community. Around 40 of these homes are now sold and many also occupied, making them our closest connection to Rampton Drift and the southern boundary of Longstanton.
As Northstowe grows, so does the rich diversity of the community, along with the strength of our connections to neighbouring villages.
A team of partners, invested in the community
Homes England are working with carefully chosen partners during this important Phase Two work, all of which share the values of sustainability and environmentally friendly development. At each stage, we all want to honour the location’s history, ensure best practice and safety in the present, and stay focused on Northstowe’s exciting future.
Here’s a summary of some key milestones and work at locations on the map image.
Cognition Land and Water are creating a new lake and extending cycle and walking routes south of Halcyon Mere (Location 1). The excavated earth is being transported to Location 5, where the land is being raised for future development. This work will be completed by Spring 2025.
Greenfisher Contracting are preparing the Eastern Sports Hub, which will feature a BMX track, an outdoor gym, and multiple new sports pitches, including a cricket pitch (Location 7). We’ll see the track open by Summer 2025, with the grass pitches needing another 18 months to “bed in” to make sure they stay in top condition for many years to come. In the meantime, the pitches at Western Park Pavilion will serve the need of the community.
Cambridge Archaeological Unit undertakes initial investigations of each development site. They’ve recently been working south of the new Eastern Sports Hub (Location 10), meaning all historical findings of interest and significance are preserved and protected.
CR MacDonald are clearing the former barracks land for future development beyond Rampton Drift and the new Keepmoat homes (Location 11), protecting trees and wildlife in the process. The team are removing old underground services, ground slabs and fencing, reducing landfill by re-using much of this hard material under future roads and footpaths.
It’s closer than you think…
The amount of earth being transported from the new lake south of Halcyon Mere would fill 60 Olympic sized swimming pools, so you’ll have noticed the temporary crossings allowing safe access for the construction vehicles (Locations 2, 3 and 4).
It’s significant that the excavation works taking place here are now closer to Oakington Guided Bus Station than the Longstanton Park and Ride. Northstowe is now more connected than ever, giving you the nice problem of deciding which route to take when out for a 5K run, walk or cycle.
How to find out more
The full Homes England, Northstowe Phase Two Autumn/Winter 2024 Newsletter is available to view here.
It’s your community, so do take a look and stay involved – you’ll find contact information and further detail on plans, timelines and next steps for Northstowe, with information to follow about Phase Three plans as this future development begins.