Unity Centre reaches topping-out milestone

Northstowe’s permanent community centre, the Unity Centre, has reached a major construction milestone. A topping-out ceremony marks the placement of the final structural element. Built by Kier Construction in partnership with South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC), the centre is taking shape at the heart of The Green in Phase 1.

A sustainable, future-ready building

Designed with sustainability at its core, the Unity Centre uses a cross-laminated timber (CLT) frame and is built to Passivhaus principles. This means the Unity Centre will be super-insulated, airtight and mechanically ventilated with heat recovery, and will stay comfortable with very little energy usage. The design also includes solar panels, ground source heat pumps and green roofs – supporting Northstowe’s ambition to grow a fresh, green future for the town. Biodiversity-friendly landscaping will add trees and hedges alongside bird and bat boxes and bee houses. It is a low-carbon design

Spaces for everyone

When complete, the Unity Centre will offer flexible spaces for community life, including:

·       A large multi-purpose hall

·       A welcoming foyer with potential for a café

·       Meeting and consultation rooms

·       A co-working area and micro library

·       A robust activity space for arts, crafts and workshops.

Accessibility has been prioritised throughout, with a Changing Places facility. Outside, there will be safe, secure areas to gather and 70 bicycle parking spaces.

The centre will be a natural hub for meet-ups, co-working and creative collaboration. Making it easy for people to connect and create together.

Backed by local partners

The project is funded through collaboration: 

·       £6.5 million from SCDC

·       £2.2 million via Section 106 from Phase 1 developers Urban & Civic

·       Additional support from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Who will run it?

Northstowe Town Council has submitted a Community Asset Transfer proposal, accepted in principle by SCDC. Both councils are now working together to finalise a leasehold agreement (subject to the necessary government approvals) so the Town Council can operate the building for the community.

Part of a growing network of community spaces

The Unity Centre will complement popular local facilities, such as The Cabin (the temporary community centre), local schools and the Western Park Sports Pavilion. This adds to a vibrant new hub for events, services and everyday activities in Northstowe. Set within a town designed for an active, healthy and fun lifestyle - with events, performance, sport and welcoming public spaces - the Unity Centre will help make that everyday experience.

Construction is progressing well, with completion expected in early 2026. We’ll share further updates as the building moves toward opening.