We are an independent consultancy of urban designers working to create robust and imaginative contributions to the built environment.
We develop responsive masterplans and visions for urban areas with a strong public conscience.
We aim to create distinctive places of exceptional quality through a socially engaged design process.
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We are an independent consultancy of urban designers working to create robust and imaginative contributions to the built environment.
We develop responsive masterplans and visions for urban areas with a strong public conscience.
We aim to create distinctive places of exceptional quality through a socially engaged design process.
︎ Home
︎ Recent News
︎ Who We Are
︎ Our Projects
︎ Contact
Northstowe Community Centres
Client: Northstowe Council
Partners: CZWG Atchitects, OKRA, Expedition, Steer, ABC.
Status: Ongoing
The vision for Northstowe is to create a new, 21st century town with a strong local identity that combines historic characteristics with sustainable living and lifestyle choices. The town is based on an urban grid pattern and draws its inspiration from fen landscapes. It has excellent cycling and pedestrian connectivity, links to a dedicated busway to Cambridge, and good access to green and blue infrastructure.
Together with CZWG Architects, OKRA (landscape design), Expedition (sustainability and civils), Steer (transport), and ABC (planning), we prepared proposals for The Cabin — a temporary community centre — as well as a permanent community centre.
Working for South Cambs District Council, we received planning permission and delivered a temporary modular facility in record time. Its two large community rooms provide a home for a wide range of activities, from baby and toddler groups and a community pantry and café, to birthday parties, youth activities, art workshops, events, and sports. The building’s exterior features artwork by the local community inspired by nature.
While delivering the temporary facility, we worked on plans for a permanent facility next to The Cabin.
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The Brief
A development brief was prepared with South Cambs and then refined in consultation with future users to include:
The community centre has been envisaged as a key space for arts and culture facilities, with areas for gathering and celebration, performance and visual arts, informal sports activities, and entertainment. These uses address the commercial needs of a well-equipped building of this size (approximately 950m2 internal floor space with a portion of the building being two storeys).
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Northstowe’s new Community Centre is distinctive and innovative, aligning with the Parcel 6 Local Centre principles and the Phase 1 Design Code of creating more beautiful and sustainable places and buildings. As an NHS Healthy New Town, it also prioritises inclusivity and accessibility, catering to all ages and mobility levels.
The Centre is home to flexible gathering spaces, including a bustling café and shared workspaces that encourage casual drop-ins and support local community groups. Sustainability is a key focus, with design elements that allow for energy efficiency, natural ventilation, water conservation, and biodiversity enhancement.
The building's exterior reflects its modern context and open space, blending rural influences with a contemporary twist. Inspired by the local pitched roof vernacular, the design incorporates sustainability solutions while providing increased height and a distinctive appearance. The main hall stands out with a different material and green colour, reminiscent of a copse of trees, adding a sense of play and a friendly character that complements the surrounding landscape.
Overall, the Community Centre seeks to create a welcoming and adaptable space that embodies both innovation and environmental stewardship.
During the development phase carried out between Summer and Autumn 2021, strong relationships were built with residents and stakeholders which helped to ensure that the facility provides a strong foundation for a sustainable, inclusive, and cohesive community in Northstowe Phase 1.
Another round of engagement work was carried out in late Autumn 2022 for the temporary community centre. This allowed the facilitators to build on previous conversations and begin the consultation with local knowledge, experience, and an understanding of the key needs and aspirations of local people.
The goal of the first round of engagement was to align the scheme’s development with the values and needs of those living and working in the area. Round 2 then provided an opportunity to test the design team’s responses to the feedback and ask for further comments.
Images courtesy of CZWG Architects.
External links
From our partners
Partners: CZWG Atchitects, OKRA, Expedition, Steer, ABC.
Status: Ongoing
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Background
The vision for Northstowe is to create a new, 21st century town with a strong local identity that combines historic characteristics with sustainable living and lifestyle choices. The town is based on an urban grid pattern and draws its inspiration from fen landscapes. It has excellent cycling and pedestrian connectivity, links to a dedicated busway to Cambridge, and good access to green and blue infrastructure.
Together with CZWG Architects, OKRA (landscape design), Expedition (sustainability and civils), Steer (transport), and ABC (planning), we prepared proposals for The Cabin — a temporary community centre — as well as a permanent community centre.
Working for South Cambs District Council, we received planning permission and delivered a temporary modular facility in record time. Its two large community rooms provide a home for a wide range of activities, from baby and toddler groups and a community pantry and café, to birthday parties, youth activities, art workshops, events, and sports. The building’s exterior features artwork by the local community inspired by nature.
While delivering the temporary facility, we worked on plans for a permanent facility next to The Cabin.
The Brief
A development brief was prepared with South Cambs and then refined in consultation with future users to include:
- The Local Community Centre: to provide accommodation for the early delivery of core community services and a place for new residents to meet informally and form essential social support and community networks.
- Multi-purpose and multi-functional: the Centre must facilitate the early development of a thriving community, so the building should be as large, adaptable, and flexible as possible to meet a wide range of community needs and activities. Temporary and permanent uses will include meetings, functions, recreation and play, health and library services.
- Innovation and creativity: the design of the Centre should be innovative and creative in its development of a sense of place and identity for Northstowe. It will be a central focus for the first Local Centre and its community.
- User experience: The centre must be accessible, welcoming, and easy to navigate for everyone.
- Long-term environmental and financial sustainability: the Centre will be environmentally friendly, using systems like heat pumps, solar panels, and natural ventilation, while its multi-use functionality will make it financial viable well into the future.
The community centre has been envisaged as a key space for arts and culture facilities, with areas for gathering and celebration, performance and visual arts, informal sports activities, and entertainment. These uses address the commercial needs of a well-equipped building of this size (approximately 950m2 internal floor space with a portion of the building being two storeys).
Design Principles
Northstowe’s new Community Centre is distinctive and innovative, aligning with the Parcel 6 Local Centre principles and the Phase 1 Design Code of creating more beautiful and sustainable places and buildings. As an NHS Healthy New Town, it also prioritises inclusivity and accessibility, catering to all ages and mobility levels.
The Centre is home to flexible gathering spaces, including a bustling café and shared workspaces that encourage casual drop-ins and support local community groups. Sustainability is a key focus, with design elements that allow for energy efficiency, natural ventilation, water conservation, and biodiversity enhancement.
The building's exterior reflects its modern context and open space, blending rural influences with a contemporary twist. Inspired by the local pitched roof vernacular, the design incorporates sustainability solutions while providing increased height and a distinctive appearance. The main hall stands out with a different material and green colour, reminiscent of a copse of trees, adding a sense of play and a friendly character that complements the surrounding landscape.
Overall, the Community Centre seeks to create a welcoming and adaptable space that embodies both innovation and environmental stewardship.
Community Engagement
During the development phase carried out between Summer and Autumn 2021, strong relationships were built with residents and stakeholders which helped to ensure that the facility provides a strong foundation for a sustainable, inclusive, and cohesive community in Northstowe Phase 1.
Another round of engagement work was carried out in late Autumn 2022 for the temporary community centre. This allowed the facilitators to build on previous conversations and begin the consultation with local knowledge, experience, and an understanding of the key needs and aspirations of local people.
The goal of the first round of engagement was to align the scheme’s development with the values and needs of those living and working in the area. Round 2 then provided an opportunity to test the design team’s responses to the feedback and ask for further comments.
Images courtesy of CZWG Architects.
External links
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https://www.northstowe.com/plans-in-for-new-community-centre
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https://www.scambs.gov.uk/northstowe-temporary-community-centre-opens-doors-next-week
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https://www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/news/temporary-community-centre-for-northstowe-to-open-its-doors-9321656/
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https://northstowehub.org/community-centre/
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https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/cambridge-news/look-inside-northstowes-plans-first-28285037