Update from Homes England on Northstowe, Phase Two & Phase Three: Winter 2025/2026
An update with 2026 in the title shows how fast time is flying by. While you’ll have a few more wintry nights ahead, we’ll soon be heading into spring with lighter evenings and longer days - good news!
Northstowe is keeping pace. Here’s your latest update on what’s happening, what’s been achieved, and what’s coming next.
Homes England: Building Northstowe’s community
The Northstowe Learning Community: People, success and awards
Northstowe Learning Community sits at the heart of Phase Two. At the end of each school day, Northstowe’s residents (and our neighbours from the surrounding villages) make full use of the space.
The sports facilities, which include the new Gym from January, are well-used and offer employment opportunities for the team managing them. You can also now enjoy a coffee at the volunteer-run café a couple of evenings a week – a welcome addition for those dropping off youngsters and looking to escape the cold.
The development recently won Best Education Building across the East of England at the Property Awards. We always knew the importance of having a central community space around Phase Two, and it’s great to see its ongoing impact on local life.
FANCY A GAME?
BOOK SPORTS AND LEISURE FACILITIES HERE:
Northstowe Secondary College - www.schoolhire.co.uk/cambridge/northstowe or www.pandesports.com/northstowe-college
Western Park Pavilion - www.elitesportsuk.com/western-park
Temporary Commercial Space: Planning for ‘now’ and the ‘next bit’
Opposite the secondary school, plans are progressing for a serviced area for temporary commercial spaces (Location 1). Planning permission has been granted to build the initial platform to host these, creating an early destination at the site of the future town hub, while still enabling the permanent commercial spaces to emerge nearby.
Honouring Northstowe’s History: Look out for pillboxes
Have you seen any of the World War II defence pillboxes on your walks?
They’re the small concrete shelters that were used as outposts and lookouts. They remind us of Northstowe’s military history, and there are five across Phase Two. We’ve already cleared them of vegetation, and as construction work continues, we’ll be working with our partners to get them restored.
Key construction milestones
Cycleway Links
September saw the opening of a new part of the pedestrian and cycleway along the bus-only route (Location 2). The route now goes from Phase One through Phase Two, connecting directly to the Northern Greenway Route by Rampton Drift to give safe, easy access down towards the Learning Community.
Some temporary closures may occur as development continues nearby, but keeping the route open will remain a priority.
Eastern Sports Hub: More facilities to look forward to
Work at the Eastern Sports Hub is progressing well (Location 3). The BMX Pump Track is complete, with landscaping underway to create a welcoming environment. Keep an eye out for updates on when this can be used in 2026.
An outdoor gym has also been installed overlooking Halcyon Mere, and drainage work is being finished. This area is also being landscaped with trees, shrubs and hedges, creating a space that will both work well and look great.
The new grass pitches are laid, while the artificial cricket wicket will follow in 2026. The pitches are expected to be ready by 2028, with the careful preparation allowing for decades of sporting use. They will complement the pitches at Western Park, which are fully open and already well-used by local sports teams.
We’ll be sure to tell you when each part of the Sports Hub opens.
Phases Two and Three: Looking forward
Keepmoat: Continuing beyond Stirling Fields
The Keepmoat Homes Stirling Fields development is thriving, with 150 homes now occupied. A new commercial unit beneath the apartments is nearing completion and will soon be handed over to South Cambridgeshire District Council (Location 5). This marks the arrival of Northstowe’s first permanent commercial unit – a milestone for the growing community.
Keepmoat has also been confirmed as the developer for Phase 2c (Location 2), just above the Northern Greenway. Their local experience and investment in Northstowe make them a strong partner for this next stage.
Co‑housing to bring more diverse housing
TOWN and Hill Group submitted plans for a co‑housing community of 145 homes south of the future town centre. These homes will combine private living with shared spaces such as communal gardens and kitchens, encouraging residents to connect and collaborate.
We’re proud to bring more diverse housing partners into Northstowe as part of the government’s New Homes Accelerator programme. It’s a first‑of‑its‑kind development for Northstowe, and one that has already sparked interest and involvement from local people.
Phase Three: Infrastructure and social value
As Phase Two continues to establish itself, Phase Three planning is already well underway.
Phase 3a Key Phase 1, the Phase Three area closest to the lakes and schools, will soon see major infrastructure works (Location 6). The tendering process will focus on how contractors add social value to Northstowe, making sure the development benefits the community.
Archaeological investigations will take place before any digging to make sure all historical findings are recorded and protected. This careful balance of future planning while honouring the past reflects Northstowe’s vision. At the same time as building for the long-term and being excited for what’s to come, we want to celebrate all that’s shaped us up to now.
How to find out more
The full Homes England, Northstowe Winter 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 details on plans, timelines, community forums, and next steps for Northstowe.