Northstowe resident names major gateway to new town "Northstowe Avenue"

A local Northstowe resident has left a lasting mark on the town’s future by naming the main gateway road, now officially known as "Northstowe Avenue."

In collaboration with Homes England, Northstowe residents, along with nearby communities of Longstanton, Oakington, and Westwick, were invited to help shape the town's identity by naming the new access road. Out of 104 entries, Homes England unanimously selected “Northstowe Avenue,” proposed by local resident Thomas Nalloor.

The newly named Northstowe Avenue opened in Autumn 2023, creating a significant connection from the B1050 roundabout directly into the heart of Northstowe. The gateway, which stretches just over a mile, links the town to its surrounding areas and the A14. It provides an entry to the emerging town and reaches up to the area that will become Northstowe’s future town centre and the existing Northstowe Learning Community. The road is complemented by dedicated footways and cycleways, reinforcing Northstowe’s commitment to community connectivity.

Speaking about the new name, Matthew Brown, Head of Large Sites at Homes England, shared: “Northstowe Avenue is a major road that is critical to residents and visitors accessing the town, especially in the future. Its opening is a big moment in Northstowe’s journey; this extent of road infrastructure isn’t typically delivered so early on in a major development, but it serves as a key connection point, linking Northstowe to its surrounding areas and welcoming residents, commuters, and visitors alike.

“We decided to give the opportunity to name the road back to the community which it will serve, and Thomas' suggestion took the judges’ unanimous vote because it is appropriate that the main route into the town carries the name of the town, and ‘Avenue’ reflects the grandeur of the route in its green setting.”

Thomas Nalloor shared his inspiration behind the name: “I’m honoured that my suggestion, “Northstowe Avenue,” was chosen as the name for this new landmark road. As a local resident, I wanted to submit a name that would reflect the unique history and identity of Northstowe itself, setting it apart from the surrounding villages. The name ‘Northstowe’ is deeply rooted in the area’s heritage, tracing back to the Hundred of Northstow, which speaks to its Roman and Anglo-Saxon past.

“I chose ‘Avenue’ because it symbolises a broad passageway often lined with trees, which felt fitting given Northstowe’s focus on biodiversity, greenery, and sustainability. I hope the name resonates with residents and visitors for years to come as Northstowe continues to grow into a thriving new town."

Offering convenient access for residents, commuters, and visitors, Northstowe Avenue complements the town's growing network of walking, cycling, and horse-riding paths, as well as existing links to the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway.

Find out more about travel in and around Northstowe at https://www.northstowe.com/travel