South Cambridgeshire District Council and Kier Construction came together this week to celebrate the completion of the Unity Centre – the permanent community centre in Northstowe. This marked a key milestone in Northstowe’s Phase 1 development and a significant achievement for the Council, setting the highest possible standard for new community facilities.
The District Council and Kier proudly handed over the keys to Northstowe Town Council. The building has been leased to the Town Council who are now the operators of this impressive new facility. Doors will open to the public from 30 March, with plans under development for a further celebration event in the summer.
The District Council’s commitment to Northstowe is driven by its priority of ‘being green to the core’ and to champion Northstowe’s vision as a Healthy New Town. The Unity Centre embodies this ambition, combining innovative sustainable design with a functional and accessible space for the community and Town Council.
The building has been constructed to combine Passive House principles (low operational carbon) with low lifecycle carbon materials to deliver a net zero design. Built entirely from timber, the building combines Cross Laminated Timber panels with Glulam beams – a super-structural frame. The exterior is cladded with Shou Sugi Ban timber and zinc – both low carbon and low maintenance.
The District Council also provided Northstowe with its first Ground Source Heat Pump – making the most of the enclosed garden space to power the building using renewable energy. The centre’s distinctive roof is designed to maximise space for solar panels and also hosts a green roof. Similarly, the pergola that wraps the building is covered by a green sedum roof to maximise the opportunity for biodiversity.
The sustainable design of the building goes beyond the construction of the Unity Centre, and to the heart of what it means for the next phase in Northstowe’s development. The high-quality spaces within the Unity Centre will host Northstowe’s thriving community activities long into the future.
Cllr Henry Batchelor, Lead Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "The Unity Centre will become a true focal point for Northstowe, giving residents a welcoming place to connect, collaborate, and celebrate. With Northstowe Town Council taking on the day-to-day running of the community centre, I’m confident it will be in excellent hands, continuing the great community groups and services that were hosted in The Cabin. Now that the building is complete and the Council’s huge involvement comes to an end, this spectacular building is ready to be filled with Northstowe’s community spirit, and I look forward to seeing the space come alive as residents make it their own.”
Northstowe Town Council are taking on the community centre and as its operator will be creating an exciting programme of activities. Making use of all the flexibilities, the building will offer:
- A main hall - A large multi-purpose hall for formal and informal events such as public meetings, visual and performing arts, practice and tuition, lectures, and demonstrations
- Foyer / café - An informal community gathering space which can be used to serve refreshments
- Kitchens - To serve the main hall and café
- A base for staff, Town Council offices, reception and booking point
- Consultation / meeting rooms – Multi-purpose spaces for meetings, groups, and visiting community services – including community midwifery care
- An informal shared space for community use and co-working
- Micro Library area
- Flexible activity space - A robust ‘make space’ for arts and crafts, workshops or other potentially messy or noisy activities, connected to the secure courtyard garden
- Toilets including a Changing Places facility – An adult size changing bed and a hoist for safe lifting, making the building accessible for all
- Outdoor space that is safe and secure which incorporates public art and celebrates the local history of the area, a theme that is carried throughout the building.
- To promote active travel, 70 bicycle parking spaces are available onsite.
Construction of the Unity Centre was carried out by Kier, whose commitment, expertise and collaborative approach have been instrumental in bringing this landmark project to life.
Tom Martin, regional director, Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands, said: “We are delighted to have played a part in delivering this brand-new community centre. Creating a sustainable and state-of-the-art facility that will be an incredible hub for the community of Northstowe, a community that Kier is really proud to have supported through various schemes in recent years. With sustainability at the heart of this project, the building was designed with Passivhaus principles and aligns with Kier’s commitment to deliver sustainable infrastructure and to leave a lasting legacy.”
Cllr Tom Bygott, District Councillor for Northstowe, said: “I’m really pleased to see the completion of the Unity Centre. As Northstowe is a new community, it’s really important for it to have public facilities. This will be the headquarters for the Town Council as well as a building that hosts lots of great community groups – it’s fantastic that the building is now finished and ready to be used by the community.”
Cllr Natalie Warren-Green, Lead Cabinet Member for Environment and a District Councillor for Northstowe, said: “When first walking into the Unity Centre, you can feel the sustainability of the building – from the smell of the wood, to the solar panels on the roof, and the greenery all around to support biodiversity. There are beautiful big windows throughout the building, filling it with light. When the community centre was being designed, it was important that the building was to Passive House standards. This is probably one of the most sustainable buildings you will find for communities in the country, and I am very excited to see Northstowe residents enjoy their new space.”
Cllr Carla Bros Sabrià, Mayor of Northstowe Town Council, said: “The Unity Centre is a remarkable facility, and this moment marks a turning page in the story of Northstowe. It will open up new opportunities for residents, community groups, local organisations and businesses - both here in Northstowe and in our neighbouring villages. For Northstowe Town Council, the Unity Centre represents far more than a home; it marks the beginning of a new chapter. The timing of this transfer feels particularly fitting as we approach the end of the Council’s first full term. I am very pleased that the new Town Council, to be formed in May, will begin its work with such a strong foundation: a dedicated civic space for meetings, collaboration, and for establishing the Unity Centre as the symbolic heart of Northstowe. The Town Council takes on the responsibility of managing the Unity Centre with pride and a clear sense of purpose. The Centre is a stepping stone in Northstowe’s wider development and we are determined that it becomes a catalyst for new initiatives, and will work to ensure it provides opportunities that allow our town to flourish and bring lasting benefits to our residents and neighbouring communities.”
The Unity Centre was funded through a collaboration between South Cambridgeshire District Council, who contributed £6.5 million towards the project, and £2.2 million s106 funding from the Phase 1 developers, Urban & Civic. Additionally, the project has received funding from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, contributing £110,000 towards the Unity Centre - as part of the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund. That extra investment has helped to equip the building with modern digital equipment and flexible communal spaces for start-ups, local enterprises, and community groups. The funding is creating long-term value for residents by improving digital access, supporting lifelong learning, and providing spaces for local businesses and community events.
The Unity Centre is one of several community buildings that South Cambridgeshire District Council is providing for residents in the first phase of Northstowe. The Council has delivered the Western Park Sports Pavilion which opened January 2024. This pavilion is managed by Elite Sports UK and has proved to be a very well-used and popular facility.
With the Unity Centre project complete, the District Council will continue focusing on the development of the Town Hub. The Town Hub will serve as a key piece of community infrastructure, bringing essential services together in the heart of Northstowe. The Eastern Sports Pavilion is another facility that will come at a later stage in Northstowe’s development.
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