A landmark agreement has been reached to expedite the completion of Northstowe, Britain’s flagship new town near Cambridge.
- Homes England has partnered with Keepmoat and Capital & Centric to deliver 3,000 new homes and a commercial town centre.
- Half of the new homes will be affordable, addressing the growing need for accessible housing.
- Homes England is set to manage the final phases, leveraging its existing infrastructure investments.
- Planned facilities aim to meet diverse community needs whilst enhancing Northstowe’s identity.
Homes England has secured a pivotal collaboration with developers Keepmoat and Capital & Centric, aiming to accelerate the development of Northstowe, a major new town near Cambridge. This agreement focuses on delivering 3,000 homes and a new town centre, which will encompass up to 50,000 square metres of commercial space, including shops, workplaces, and community amenities.
In addressing the pressing demand for affordable housing, it is notable that 50% of the proposed homes will fall into this category. Homes England, having already managed the construction of necessary infrastructure, steps in as the master developer for the concluding stages of this 30-year venture.
Highlighting the government’s commitment, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook acknowledged the frequent stalling of substantial housing initiatives within the planning framework. He announced a forthcoming taskforce designed to invigorate such delayed projects, underscoring the commencement of efforts to unlock thousands of new homes across Northstowe.
Peter Freeman, Chair of Homes England, emphasised the significance of the agreement in forging a vibrant town centre adjacent to an expanding educational campus destined to accommodate over 2,000 students. This collaboration with Keepmoat and Capital & Centric is poised to bolster local investment, promote quality housing, and enhance community vitality.
Keepmoat’s ongoing Stirling Fields project, targeting completion by autumn 2027, aligns with its focus on first-time buyers, and will see the development of additional multi-tenure residences near the town core. Meanwhile, Capital & Centric is tasked with the town centre’s design and execution.
Tim Wray of Keepmoat expressed enthusiasm for contributing to Northstowe’s transformation through this strategic alliance, building on substantial infrastructure advancements by Homes England. The town centre’s development by Capital & Centric is seen as a crucial catalyst for transformative placemaking at Northstowe.
John Moffat of Capital & Centric lauded the town’s potential as a model for inclusive and sustainable urban development, reflecting the company’s expertise in impactful regeneration projects. The emerging town is poised to welcome a distinctive identity, reinforced by its green town centre and burgeoning community facilities.
This collaboration marks a crucial step in Northstowe’s transformation into a thriving, sustainable community.
