A groundbreaking ceremony was held this week as South Cambridgeshire District Council officially launched construction of the Unity Centre, the permanent community hub for the rapidly growing town of Northstowe.

The event, attended by local dignitaries including Cllr Henry Batchelor, Lead Cabinet Member for Communities, as well as Ward Councillors, Northstowe Town Council, Ian Sollom MP for St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire, and representatives from the construction firm Kier, celebrated the first major step toward the completion of the state-of-the-art facility, which is set to become a vital part of the local community.

Located in Phase 1 of Northstowe's expansion, the Unity Centre will provide a wide range of spaces and facilities for residents to enjoy, including a large multi-purpose main hall for events, performances, and community gatherings, a café/foyer space for informal meetings, and dedicated offices for the Town Council. Other features include consultation rooms, a micro library, flexible activity spaces for arts and crafts and a free-range co-working area.


The building will also be designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating Passivhaus principles for high insulation and low energy demand, along with solar panels, ground source heat pumps, and green roofs. Outdoor spaces will feature hedges, trees, and habitats to support local wildlife, including bird and bat boxes and bee houses. Additionally, the Unity Centre will provide ample bike parking with 70 bicycle spaces.

A key feature of the centre will be its inclusivity, with facilities such as a disabled-friendly Changing Places toilet, including an adult-size changing bed and a hoist for safe lifting. Secure outdoor spaces will also ensure the safety and accessibility of the facility for all members of the community.

The Unity Centre is being built by Kier and is expected to be completed by early 2026. The £6.5 million project is funded through a combination of South Cambridgeshire District Council’s contribution, £2.2 million of s106 funding from the Phase 1 developers, Urban & Civic, and additional support from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Once completed, the Unity Centre will host a variety of community activities, events, and services, offering a much-needed gathering place for Northstowe's residents and further cementing the town’s status as a thriving, sustainable community.

Image: davidjohnsonphotographic.co.uk