Homes England has teamed up with TOWN, a visionary developer, to create a cutting-edge cohousing community in Northstowe, just outside Cambridge.
With a focus on eco-friendly design and community cohesion, this new development promises to put people and the planet first.
A New Era of Sustainable Living
Northstowe, one of Britain’s most ambitious new towns, is set to become a beacon of modern living with the introduction of a cohousing project that prioritizes community, sustainability, and affordability.
This development, spearheaded by TOWN, builds on the success of their acclaimed Marmalade Lane project in Cambridge, which has become a model for environmentally-conscious living.
Located just eight miles from Cambridge, Northstowe will soon host a thriving community where residents can live in harmony with both their neighbours and nature.
The Vision Behind Northstowe
TOWN’s approach to Northstowe is grounded in a deep commitment to creating spaces that foster social interaction and environmental responsibility. With 40% of the homes designated as affordable housing, this project aims to ensure that a diverse range of people can benefit from high-quality, sustainable living.
As Jonny Anstead, Founding Director at TOWN, notes,
“At Northstowe, we want to create a place where residents know and support their neighbours, and share spaces and resources to live more sustainably.”
This vision is brought to life through a design that includes ample communal spaces, enabling residents to connect and share resources. The development will feature a mix of private and shared areas, ensuring that everyone has access to both solitude and social interaction as they desire.
Building on Success: Lessons from Marmalade Lane
The Northstowe project is not just about creating new homes; it’s about building on the success of TOWN’s previous venture, Marmalade Lane, and applying the valuable lessons learned from that experience.
Moreover, architects, residents, and city planners have consistently praised Marmalade Lane, a 42-home cohousing development in Cambridge, for its pioneering and innovative approach to community living.
Consequently, the Northstowe project aims to replicate and expand on this successful model, creating a thriving community that benefits from the insights gained from Marmalade Lane.
With a waiting list that could fill the development nine times over, it’s clear that there is a strong demand for this type of housing.
A recent post-occupancy report, Insights from Marmalade Lane, highlighted the development’s significant social value, estimating that the environmental, social, and economic benefits collectively generate over a million pounds in social value.
These findings underscore the potential impact that similar projects in Northstowe could have on both residents and the broader community.
Impact of Marmalade Lane on Residents
Social Value Generated |
Environmental Benefits |
Community Engagement |
|---|---|---|
| Over £1 million | Reduced carbon footprint | High levels of participation |
| Increased well-being | Sustainable resource use | Strong neighbour connections |
What Northstowe Promises
As Northstowe moves closer to becoming a reality, TOWN’s commitment to sustainable and community-focused development remains steadfast.
The Northstowe development team strategically selected the project’s site directly south of the future town centre to ensure it becomes a central part of the new community, integrating seamlessly with the surrounding development.
Matthew Brown, Head of Development at Homes England, emphasized the significance of this project, stating,
“Appointing TOWN is a great next step in Northstowe’s journey, and we’ll be working to support the developer in bringing forward proposals for an exciting housing development which champions community at its core.”
A Sustainable Future for Northstowe
The Northstowe development team will transform Northstowe into a vibrant town of approximately 25,000 people over the next two decades, building 10,000 new homes and integrating them into a landscape rich with natural assets and modern amenities.
The partnership between Homes England and TOWN will play a crucial role in ensuring that Northstowe becomes a place where sustainable living is not just an ideal, but a reality.
The Final Word
As TOWN continues to build its group of future residents through a collaborative design process, the community’s input will be vital in shaping a neighbourhood that reflects the values of both the developers and the people who will call Northstowe home.
This project represents not just a step forward in housing development but a leap towards a more connected and environmentally conscious way of life.
Sources: THX News & Homes England.
