Work starts on Northstowe community centre

Main contractor Kier has hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction at the Unity Centre, a new community hub for the Cambridgeshire new town of Northstowe.

Once complete, the Unity Centre will host a range of community activities, providing a vital gathering space for residents.

Construction of the centre, which is being built on behalf of South Cambridgeshire District Council, is due to be completed in early 2026. In addition to a main hall, the centre will provide a café, town council offices, co-working spaces and indoor and outdoor recreational space.

Solar and heat pumps will be installed to supply energy, and a green roof will improve insulation. In addition, biodiversity will be increased on the site through the planting of hedges and trees with bird/bat boxes.

Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands Managing Director, Mark Dady, said: “This groundbreaking ceremony represents a great milestone for this project as we officially begin construction work on site. We are excited to see the Unity Centre take shape and look forward to creating a space that will truly benefit the local community.

“This project and community mean a lot to our team, as we recently completed the major expansion of Northstowe Secondary College and the creation of a brand new sixth form. So, we are delighted to play a part in creating more community spaces for local residents in this wonderful emerging town.”