NORTHSTOWE

Northstowe in Cambridgeshire is one of Britain’s largest new towns under development, planned for around 10,000 homes and roughly 25,000 residents on a 540‑hectare site about 6–8 miles north of Cambridge. Northstowe is being created on the former RAF Oakington barracks and surrounding land as a major strategic growth location for the Cambridge sub‑region. Phase 1 has been led by L&Q/Urban&Civic, while Homes England, the UK government’s housing and regeneration agency, is the master‑developer for Phases 2 and 3, making Northstowe a flagship national settlement programme.

Once complete, Northstowe will provide around 10,000 homes, a town centre, employment areas, schools, health and community facilities, lakes, parks, and extensive green space, with about one‑third of the site reserved as public open space. The town is served by the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway and will include a new town centre with up to 50,000 m² of commercial space and 3,000 homes (around 50% affordable) as part of a recently agreed scheme.

Future Cities criteria compliance

Environmental & Nature

The town is promoted as a “green community”, with a commitment that at least 10% biodiversity net gain will be exceeded to reach around 15% in later phases, extensive green infrastructure, and lakes and parks woven through the urban fabric. Sustainable design measures include careful landscape planning, use of sustainable materials, solar panels, and low‑carbon technologies on key community buildings, and a settlement pattern that supports low‑carbon travel choices.

Smart City

Northstowe is planned as a “hyper‑connected and sustainable” new town, with strategic walking and cycling routes, high‑quality public transport via the guided busway, and provision for EV charging and e‑bike storage integrated into neighbourhood design. Design codes and emerging community buildings (such as the Unity community centre) incorporate modern construction methods, digital connectivity, and smart‑ready energy systems.

Human-Centric

Northstowe is framed as an inclusive, healthy new town, with all homes in Phases 2 and 3 planned to be within a 15‑minute walk (or about a 4‑minute cycle) of centres, schools, and guided bus stops. A town council, community‑led groups, and cohousing and shared‑space models aim to foster strong local identity, participation, and social life as the town grows.

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