Charlotte Fernández
UKIMEA Press Office,Leeds
The second phase of Northstowe New Town in Cambridgeshire, which will include a new town centre and approximately 3,500 new homes, has been given the go-ahead.
Arup is the lead consultant on the outline planning application for the project, provided planning, masterplanning, urban design, ecological, environmental impact assessments, landscape design, archaeology and heritage consultancy services on the project.
This is a significant milestone for the scheme which Arup has been involved since the late 1990s when it developed a strategic masterplan framework for the whole of the new town.
This phase includes approximately 3,500 homes out of the 10,000 homes total. Work is already under way to build phase 1 of approximately 1,500 new homes. Two primary schools, a secondary school, sports hall and playing fields, extensive open space, retained historic buildings and landscapes, and the town centre will also be created as part of this phase.
Northstowe is being developed by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Gallagher Estates.
“This is a major step forward for Northstowe which has been in the planning stages for many years. Momentum is really building now which is really exciting and we will soon see houses coming out of the ground next year in addition to a new school to serve Phase 1.
“Building the right sort of community is at the very centre of our approach. The town is being planned the right way, in phases so that the right levels of homes, facilities and related infrastructure can be built alongside each other.
Paul Kitson, Head of Northstowe for the HCA
“Northstowe is a landmark project for so many reasons. Not only is it the largest stand-alone settlement currently under development in Britain, but it will set the benchmark for future new towns for its approach to sustainability, deliverability and viability.
“This vibrant new town will offer much needed quality housing and community facilities for generations to come. And we’re delighted that we’ve been able to be at the forefront of such a progressive scheme.
Malcolm Smith, Project Director and Global Masterplanning Leader, Arup
When complete, Northstowe will be Britain's biggest new town since Milton Keynes.