Your common Northstowe questions answered
We've made a list of questions that people often ask about various aspects of Northstowe.
If you have a question and answer that you want to be added, you can email the details to communications@scambs.gov.uk
We'll keep updating this page with more questions and answers in the future. The last update was on Monday 22 January 2024.
When will the community facilities be ready?
As of 22 January 2024, here’s what we can tell you:
Northstowe Secondary College
Community space has been available to hire since the building opened. They offer a 15% discount for community groups in Northstowe or Longstanton.
To view facilities and make a booking go to their website: Northstowe Secondary College.
Or email lettings@northstowesc.org.
Pathfinder Primary School
Community spaces are available for hire. Contact them at office@pathfinderschool.org.uk
Phase 1 Sports Pavilion
Building is now completed and has been handed over to the Council. The building and pitches were officially opened on Saturday 20 January 2024.
The Cabin (Community Centre)
The building officially opened on Monday 17 July 2023. You can book it for meetings or events through the booking form. Northstowe Hub Café is open at The Cabin on Wednesdays from 9am to 12:30pm and 3:30pm to 5:30pm, and on Sundays from 10am to 2pm. Hot drinks are also available on a self-service basis outside of café hours.
The building has been placed on land owned by the Council next to The Green, on Pathfinder Way, alongside the area planned for Northstowe’s permanent community centre. The building includes a large lobby with kitchenette and toilets, storage, and has space for 3 offices, an NHS room, and 2 large community rooms which can be used for activities such as:
- community cafe and pantry
- baby and toddler groups
- private hire for events such as birthday parties
- children and youth activities
- art workshops and events
- meeting spaces for sport and activity groups.
You can view a video of the building being delivered below; our thanks to SkyTech Cambridge for the footage.
Phase 1 Community Centre
Planning application was submitted in September 2023, and approved by the Council's Planning Committee in December 2023.
The Council will now appoint contractors to build the centre. It is expected to be finished in winter 2025/2026 – Northstowe residents will be updated throughout the construction process.
Phase 2 Civic Hub
Expected delivery is in 2028. The Hub will provide health, library, and community space. We’re working with partners and stakeholders to produce a design brief.
Phase 2 Sports Pavilion
Work hasn't started yet, and it is likely to be delivered when around 2,500 homes in Northstowe are occupied.
When will the first shops and cafes open?
Following the work that was undertaken on the concept masterplan for the Enterprise Zone and Local Centre, South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) has been working to prepare options as to how to best bring the site forward. A key parcel within the scheme was previously held on option for Cambridgeshire County Council for the provision of a Household Waste Recycling Centre. Earlier this summer, Cambridgeshire County Council officially declined to take up this option and SCDC are working with developers L&Q Estates regarding our option for first refusal to purchase this key parcel within the Enterprise Zone. Meanwhile, our Council officers have met informally with a number of parties and are taking specialist advice on the different options available to deliver the site, and the uses required by the community and the market.
Homes England also has land and outline planning permission for shops and cafes on a later stage of Phase Two as part of what will become the town centre. This is an initial phase of the Northstowe town centre. It is planned to include a market hall and a convenience store, as part of a mix of uses appropriate to a town centre setting. It also includes space for the Civic Hub building, including library, health and community space.
Northstowe Hub Café is open at The Cabin (Temporary Community Centre) on Wednesdays from 9am to 12:30pm and 3:30pm to 5:30pm, and on Sundays from 10am to 2pm. Hot drinks are also available on a self-service basis outside of café hours via a QR code.
When will the roads be adopted?
The issue is that the construction lorries inevitably clip corners and destroy curb stones – that is why there are so many that are loose in Northstowe. Because of this it does not make sense to finish the roads to their final surface, as it would only take a few months before they were in need of repair.
The Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Team has investigated different possible routes for the construction traffic, but once lorries enter Northstowe there are 4 separate housebuilders’ compounds as destinations, which means that whatever route they take, almost every major road in Northstowe is subject to at least some lorry traffic.
Individual housebuilders are responsible for their own parcels, including roads.
Roads, cycle ways and footways should all be complete by the end of 2024. The adoption of roads will then be end of 2025, following a 12-month maintenance period.
What provision is there for GP services for residents?
Currently, as was always intended, Northstowe residents can register with the local GP surgery at Willingham Medical Practice.
The Civic Hub, planned as part of Phase 2 of Northstowe, will provide healthcare space, including GP services. Note that responsibility for health planning and delivery sits with the NHS locally.
Where can I find out more?
Have a look at the Northstowe.com frequently asked questions page for answers to other common questions about the new town of Northstowe.
Questions answered at recent Northstowe Community Forums
The following questions have been answered during recent Northstowe Community Forums.
Who are Greenbelt and what are their fees for?
Greenbelt manage and maintain communal open spaces areas in Phase 1 of Northstowe including open space within house parcels. Bills are issued in November. Greenbelt can be contacted via their website.
Any updates on missing post?
The issue of missing post has been escalated to Royal Mail and they are investigating.
How do I report something that I am concerned about?
- you can report a breach of planning control to us
- you can report anti-social behaviour to Cambridgeshire Police
- you can report a crime to Cambridgeshire Police.