A moment in time – how Northstowe is taking shape in the first half of 2024 

Did you know that Northstowe is set to become one of the UK’s largest new towns once complete? 

A development of this size involves lots of planning, many partners, and several stages to deliver. Northstowe is currently under construction and will continue to be built and transformed into a thriving community of around 25,000 people over the next two decades.  

Phase One of Northstowe’s development, located at the ‘top’ of the site, is being delivered by L&Q, while Homes England is responsible for Phases Two and Three, the final phases which comprise the majority of the emerging town. 

Good progress is already being made; over 3,000 people currently call Northstowe home, and a series of thriving community groups, along with a dedicated Town Council, are currently shaping its vibrant identity. 

Read on to find out more about Northstowe’s development so far!

A place to live

Developing a town is about more than just building houses – it’s about creating a place that people can call home.  

There are already around 1,400 homes in Northstowe, designed to accommodate the various budgets, lifestyles, and preferences of the emerging community. A range of housebuilders offer options to rent or buy a home, but all homes are guided by Design Codes that ensure the creation of pleasant, landscaped neighbourhoods. 

Read more about homes in Northstowe, here. 

A place to learn 

Cambridgeshire has a global reputation for its education prowess, and this extends through to its newest emerging town. Northstowe is, quite literally, founded on education; the very first building to be created in the town was The Pathfinder C of E Primary School, which opened in 2017. 

Managed by the Diocese of Ely Multi-Academy Trust Board of Education, the school supports the future generation of Northstowe residents, who can continue their learning at the state-of-the-art Northstowe Secondary College, which is currently being expanded further. 

Read more about education in Northstowe, here. 

A place to get active 

One of the first principles of Northstowe was that it would be a ‘healthy town’ by design.   

There are plenty of easy, fun ways for residents to go outside and get active. ‘Incidental’ children’s play areas and green spaces are weaved throughout neighbourhoods, and there are already bridleways and more than 15km of walking and cycling routes in place across Northstowe. Many of these active travel pathways connect neighbourhoods to the rest of the emerging town and beyond. Residents can admire scenic views of the lakes, explore the wider local area, and make the most of the surrounding countryside without relying on a car.  

For those looking to embrace the team spirit and exercise with others – as well as remaining active when the weather is a little grey – there are also indoor and outdoor community facilities. South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) recently completed the Western Park Sports Pavilion and acquired the Western Park sports pitches - both of which opened in January 2024. Managed by Elite Sports UK, the community facilities include a full-size 3G pitch, multi-use games area (MUGA), netball courts, tennis courts, a club room and more. 

Read more about wellbeing in Northstowe, here.  

A place to connect 

Northstowe’s connectivity means that residents can also make the most of the wider region and beyond, from exploring the countryside to accessing employment opportunities and taking family trips. 

As well as the plethora of options to travel by foot, bike, or horse, Northstowe is well-connected by public transport. The Cambridgeshire Guided Busway, which is the longest guided busway in the world, tracks the entire length of the Northstowe site. Providing connections to the City of Cambridge and beyond, the Busway is already being used by residents who access it via Longstanton Park and Ride.  

Enabling residents to come and go as they please, and visitors to see their loved ones with ease, a dedicated access road also helps to link Northstowe to the A14. It extends from the B1050 roundabout right up through the Northstowe site.  

Find out more about travel and transport in Northstowe, here. 

A place to feel connected  

Even though Northstowe’s development is still in its infancy, a strong sense of community spirit is already woven into its fabric. Community and faith groups support and represent the emerging town’s diverse population, enabling residents to socialise, share ideas, and feel a sense of belonging. 

Community connections are supported by facilities which are already in place. In addition to the Western Park Sports Pavilion, The Cabin on The Green, which was delivered by SCDC and opened in September 2023, is a focal point for the community. It provides space for groups to meet, a place for events to be hosted, facilities for certain health services to be delivered and more.  

While this is a temporary facility, SCDC secured planning permission for a permanent community centre in December 2023, set to support Northstowe's community in years to come. In keeping with the Northstowe ethos of wellbeing and sustainability, the building will deliver operational net zero carbon and a 19% biodiversity net gain, as well as achieving super-low levels of embodied carbon. 

Northstowe Town Council, assisted by SCDC, also runs a thriving weekly market on The Green which offers wares from fruit and vegetables to cakes and baked goods. Elsewhere, there are also a community orchard and allotments, delivered by SCDC and managed by Northstowe Horticultural Association, enabling locals to get outside and get their hands dirty. And in Spring 2024, the grand opening of the Northstowe Tap & Social saw the emerging town welcome its first pub. 

Find out more about leisure and the community in Northstowe, here. 

Keep an eye on our social media for more updates as Northstowe’s journey progresses!