The company behind the pioneering Marmalade Lane in Cambridge is bringing the cohousing concept to Northstowe

Building on its success with Marmalade Lane in Cambridge, developer TOWN, in partnership with community-focused housebuilder Hill Group, is introducing two cohousing neighbourhoods to Northstowe – set to be one of the most significant new towns in England. The aim is to build on Northstowe’s exisiting thriving community by creating housing designed with wellbeing and sustainability at its heart.

📸 Homes England

Residents will share communal spaces and get to shape the way they live through being involved in the design of the homes.

At the heart of the new neighbourhoods will be a low-car play street and shared gardens, giving children the freedom to play safely and neighbours the chance to stop and chat over a cup of tea. Homes will range from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom family houses, each with its own front door and outdoor space, complemented by communal areas for yoga, cooking, eating and growing food.

Helen Mulligan, a resident of Marmalade Lane, said:

“Living in a community like this has completely changed how I think about home. It’s not just about existing in your own space – it’s about living an easier life, sharing meaningful interactions, and just feeling generally supported. My kids can play safely outside, and there’s a general sense of people being around and keeping an eye out. It’s a way of living that makes life easier, happier and more sociable – and I think in the modern day world, more people are craving that.”

Secure your place in a new home with lots of benefits

This new year, TOWN is calling on families, individuals and couples to register their interest and secure a place in one of the new neighbourhoods. With construction starting this year and homes ready from late 2027, this is a rare opportunity to have meaningful involvement in how your new home takes shape.

This approach to housing brings back the richness of community life, echoing a time when neighbours were familiar faces and people you could rely on to lend a hand. Benefits include:

📸 Homes England

  • Being better for the planet: Shared resources and energy-efficient homes mean lower carbon footprints and reduced waste. At the leading cohousing community, Marmalade Lane, a study found that residents are saving around £600 a year on bills, due to energy-efficient builds. Homes also use less than half the water of a typical UK home[1], again reducing bills.

  • Closer communities, less loneliness: In a world where 1 in 10 UK adults can’t name a single neighbour[2], cohousing communities make it easy to build real, lasting relationships. Shared spaces for yoga and a cuppa with neighbours, or movie nights and communal dinners with families on the street, create a sense of belonging.

  • Freedom and safety for families: Car-free play streets and green spaces with dedicated play areas give kids the independence to play outdoors. Today, only 27% of children regularly play in their streets, compared to 71% of their grandparents[3]. The ethos of these new developments means childhoods feel freer and parents have support from others in their community.

  • Everyday convenience: Daily life is made easier with shared facilities like guest bedrooms, homeworking spaces, communal kitchens, and allotments for growing food. Residents can influence the wider community and their future homes, designing them in a way that’s right for their lives.

Northstowe is already home to a pioneering community of over 3000 people, less than 30 minutes from Cambridge city centre. Phase One, which was led by Urban & Civic, is near completion, with Homes England, the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, responsible for phases two and three, which have commenced and already include schools and open spaces. The site selected for these cohousing communities is well located adjoining existing open space and future town centre facilities.

Matthew Brown, head of large sites at Homes England, said:

 “Northstowe is being shaped as a place where people can put down their roots, with green space and good connections. As master developer for phases two and three, Homes England is committed to supporting TOWN and Hill in achieving their ambitions and delivering new cohousing neighbourhoods that broaden the range of housing choices available in Northstowe.

“These cohousing developments are prime examples of how we work collaboratively with partners to deliver the homes people need and create thriving communities that people can be proud of.”

Northstowe is already home to a pioneering community of over 3000 people, less than 30 minutes from Cambridge city centre. Phase One, which was led by Urban & Civic, is near completion, with Homes England, the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, responsible for phases two and three, which have commenced and already include schools and open spaces. The site selected for these cohousing communities is well located adjoining existing open space and future town centre facilities.

Matthew Brown, head of large sites at Homes England, said:

 “Northstowe is being shaped as a place where people can put down their roots, with green space and good connections. As master developer for phases two and three, Homes England is committed to supporting TOWN and Hill in achieving their ambitions and delivering new cohousing neighbourhoods that broaden the range of housing choices available in Northstowe.

“These cohousing developments are prime examples of how we work collaboratively with partners to deliver the homes people need and create thriving communities that people can be proud of.”

Demand for this way of living is clear. Marmalade Lane has a waiting list of over 400 households, and community-led housing is gaining momentum across England, with 31 neighbourhoods already established and 65 more in development.

Frances Wright, Head of Community Partnering at TOWN, said:

"Cohousing has the power to transform how we live together, and Northstowe will be a fantastic example of that. We’re looking for people who want to live in a vibrant, supportive community. If that sounds like you, get in touch today.”

Construction at Northstowe is expected to start in 2026, with the first homes ready from late 2027. To register your interest and find out more information about Northstowe and the two new cohousing communities, visit https://www.wearetown.co.uk/projects/northstowe/