A new town being constructed ten miles from Cambridge has been described as the largest of its kind since the development of Milton Keynes, back in 1967. Building began in 2017, but those now living in the new homes are less than impressed with their new surroundings.
Around 1,200 homes have so far been built in Northstowe, and there are plans to provide 10,000 properties by the end of the project. The new town will eventually have a population of around 26,000 residents.
Alongside the housing, there are plans to build schools, shops, pubs, cafes and a GP practice along with an Employment Zone providing opportunities for people to work in the area. However, to date, few amenities have been built and those living there have called their new home a ‘ghost town’.
An employment zone consultation has taken place and the results are due to be published in November. Once the findings are published, research will commence on ‘viability and funding’ which will take another twelve months or more. Only then are any development plans likely to take place to provide the promised local jobs.
Some of those moving into Northstowe were under the impression that these facilities were already being built. One parent of small children said that the pre-school, which is currently full, will actually reduce capacity in September.
Despite the ‘lack of heart’ within the town, a strong sense of community has arisen between its residents.
The house builder, L&Q Estates, has said it has been “working hard” to deliver the expectations of residents and its “commitment to the community” but it does acknowledge that the timescale is not what was promised. It blamed the pandemic along with economic and political challenges.