Northstowe February Community Forum round-up 

South Cambridgeshire District Council hosted the Northstowe Community Forum, on Wednesday 4 February at Wester Park Pavilion.  The Forums run three times a year and bring together local partners to share updates on progress across Northstowe and discuss topics raised by residents.

Here is a summary of the main areas covered

Community facilities and local services

South Cambridgeshire District Council shared an update on the faith and community land bid process in Phase 1.  This land is located to the north of the town and owned by the lead developer Urban&Civic. Two bids have been received, and summaries have now been made public so residents can see what has been proposed.

Northstowe Town Council provided an update on the Unity Centre, covering staffing, hire rates and booking arrangements. The building has now been officially handed over to the Town Council, with a public opening event planned for June 2026 (after the local elections).

The Town Council also addressed questions about parking for large events at the Unity Centre. They highlighted the approved travel plan, which encourages walking and cycling where possible. For larger events, attendees can use nearby parking at Western Park Pavilion, Pathfinder Way and Longstanton Park & Ride.

The Town Council also shared a wider update, including the introduction of a new Town Clerk, recruitment activity and its response to the draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan consultation.

📸 Homes England

Homes England update: works, planning and social value

Homes England shared an update on planning and development in Northstowe. This included progress on the Eastern Sports Hub, which will be located between the BMX track and the Education Campus. the temporary commercial space also located opposite the Campus and now underway, and routine work to put the right power connections in place for future homes and facilities, as the town grows.

Homes England also gave an update on the latest reserved matters planning applications (the detailed plans that come after the initial approval) being submitted for different parts of the town. This included a reserved matters submission from TOWN, a housing developer, for two cohousing neighbourhoods planned for Phase 2, located at the heart of Northstowe. They also covered the housebuilder, Keepmoat’s plans for further development in Phase 2, located at the centre of Northstowe, which includes 409 homes, allotments, a village green and a community orchard.

Homes England also outlined plans for Phase 3A works, located to the south of Northstowe. These plans focus on the essential “behind the scenes” infrastructure needed to support the next area of Northstowe’s development, such as new roads. Finally, they shared an update on plans to extend Stirling Road, which are intended to improve connections between Phase 2, the central part of Northstowe, and Phase 3A. This will help link theB current area with the next stage of growth.

Homes England also spoke about community benefits being delivered alongside development, including funding facilitated in partnership with South Cambridgeshire District Council to support local facilities like the new gym at Northstowe Secondary College, and funding available through the Northstowe Community Activation Fund.

Town Hub design update

Temporary Commercial Space

AtkinsRéalis and the South Cambridgeshire District Council shared updated designs for the permanent Town Hub, to be located in Phase 2, at the heart of Northstowe, with new images to show how it could look. They confirmed the permanent Town Hub will be built next to the temporary commercial space, along what will be the High Street and the busway that runs through the centre of the development. They explained that the next step is to submit the plans later in 2026. If the plans are approved, building work could commence the following year and is estimated to take around 18 to 24 months.

The team also talked through how they are designing the healthcare facility to be easy to access for everyone, with lifts close to the entrance and a direct route that minimises movement through busy public areas.

Community facilities and travel: issues raised by residents

1.     There is standing water on paths and green areas. Can this be improved?

Homes England confirmed they are working with specialists on measures to reduce this. It was also noted that lessons from current drainage issues are being incorporated into the design of future paths, including planned routes around the new lakes.

2.     Will the temporary town hub / early activation space include road sweeping? There is significant mud near Stirling Road.

Homes England confirmed they would raise the issue with contractors and ensure appropriate controls are in place. Arrangements for road sweeping have now commenced (as of 9 February 2026).

3.     What parking provision is available for large events at the Unity Centre?

Parking and safety around schools were discussed by Cambridgeshire County Council, Homes England and Greater Cambridge Shared Planning, including how parking controls can be introduced as roads are finished, how cycleways can be designed to reduce unsafe parking, and how parking provision is assessed in new developments.


Residents also raised questions and ideas about public transport, including ideas for improved shuttle links and journey times.

Other local updates

Urban&Civic, is the master developer for Phase 1, located to the north of the town, and their contractor, Phoenix Surfacing, shared an update on surfacing works on Wellington Road and Eagle Way, noting that completion is subject to ongoing discussions with Cambridgeshire Highways on additional work that has been requested. Once agreed, the final surfacing is expected to take 3-4 weeks, and residents will be updated with dates and traffic management information once confirmed.

South Cambridgeshire District Council also provided an update on the Stirling Fields commercial unit. The plan includes one ground-floor shop or business unit with residential flats above. Keepmoat, the developer building the unit, has estimated a March completion.

Residents requested an update on the status of the proposed Lidl on Station Road in Northstowe. The South Cambridgeshire District Council confirmed that a planning application is being prepared following the public consultation. Stakeholders will be notified when timelines are clearer.

For more information

For more information on the February forum and previous forums, you can access recordings, notes and Q & A’s for all Forums here: https://www.scambs.gov.uk/community-and-people/community-forums/northstowe-community-forum

If you’re looking for information about living in Northstowe or upcoming development, please visit the Northstowe FAQs page here: https://www.northstowe.com/faqs

If you still need to speak to someone, here’s the best place to direct your question:

Thanks to everyone who attended and contributed on the night!