Kier hosted a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday (Thursday 6 March) to mark the start of construction at the Unity Centre, a new community centre for the growing town of Northstowe. Once complete, the Unity Centre will host a range of community activities, events, and services, providing a vital gathering space and meeting the needs of residents.
Construction of the community 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 being installed to supply energy, and a green roof used to further improve insulation. In addition, biodiversity will be increased on the site through the planting of hedges and trees with bird/bat boxes.
The event, which was attended by Cllr Henry Batchelor, Lead Cabinet Member for Communities, local ward councillors, Northstowe Town Council, Ian Sollom MP for St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire, and representatives from Kier, marked a significant milestone for Northstowe and celebrated the first step toward the completion of this facility, designed to serve the local community.
"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."
Mark Dady, managing director, Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands
The Unity Centre is funded through a collaboration between South Cambridgeshire District Council, and s106 funding from the Phase 1 developers, Urban & Civic. Additionally, the project has received funding from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
"I am thrilled that construction of the Unity Centre has begun. This facility will be a pivotal place in bringing people together, further strengthening the already vibrant community spirit Northstowe residents show. I am particularly proud that the Council funding has ensured that the building will be environmentally friendly and sustainable, aligning with the Council’s Green to our Core values."
Cllr Henry Batchelor, Lead Cabinet Member for Communities