South Cambridgeshire District Council has submitted a planning application for another state-of-the-art community building in Northstowe.
If approved, the Northstowe Town Hub will be home to community, library and health facilities where the town centre will be located in future.
Located between the High Street and Town Plaza, which are being delivered by Homes England, the District Council’s vision is for the Town Hub to become a central destination for residents and visitors, bringing together a wide range of services and community activities under one roof.
Its name – Wayfinder - emerged from the historic trig point that occupied the Town Hub site, recognising its long-standing role as a marker used to orientate and guide people through the landscape. The plans show how the original metalwork from the trig point will be re-laid in the exact coordinates it has been removed from. The Council is working with a local artist to establish whether the pillar can be repurposed as a sculpture for the garden terrace. By reinterpreting this landmark within the new Town Hub, Wayfinder reflects both the site's heritage and the building's future role as a civic focal point that helps connect, navigate and bring together the Northstowe community.
The plans outline a four-storey building to provide over 4,000 square metres of flexible space - all designed to serve Northstowe's growing population as the town continues to develop. Key features include:
- Space for healthcare uses on upper floors, providing more than 1,290 square metres of space for GP services and other healthcare uses.
- A self-contained high street facing unit - intended to accommodate a pharmacy as the town grows.
- A modern library, including dedicated children's library, adult and teenage learning spaces, quiet study areas and collaborative working environments.
- A café and welcoming social spaces opening onto the Town Plaza and High Street.
- A full height modern atrium and feature staircase that acts as a meeting place, performance space, and internal town square.
- A large flexible community hall capable of hosting events, performances and community activities.
- Meeting rooms and workspaces available for community groups, public services and local organisations.
- Accessible entrances, step-free access throughout, a Changing Places facility and inclusive features designed for all users.
- A landscaped first-floor garden terrace and a roof terrace providing outdoor spaces for learning, events and wellbeing activities.
Designed to be a landmark civic building for Northstowe, the design reflects the area's unique identity. It is inspired by the surrounding fen landscape and local aviation history - along with traditional Cambridgeshire architecture. It is planned to be environmentally friendly, featuring green roofs, energy-saving technology and spaces designed to encourage nature and wildlife to thrive.
Dedicated events have been held with residents and groups as the plans have developed, to ensure the building will meet the needs of Northstowe's growing community. Drop-in sessions and updates have also been provided through the District Council’s Northstowe Community Forum, alongside discussions and input from Homes England, the Cambridgeshire County Council Libraries Service, the NHS Integrated Care Board, and Greater Cambridge Shared Planning.
South Cambridgeshire District Council's Lead Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities, Cllr Dr. Lisa Redrup, said: "Submitting this planning application marks another important milestone towards the creation of Northstowe's civic heart. If approved, the Town Hub will bring together health, learning and community services in a modern, accessible and sustainable building, creating a welcoming destination for residents of all ages."
District Councillor for Northstowe, Cllr Natalie Warren-Green, added: “Northstowe residents have consistently told us how important it is to have local facilities and services within the town as it grows. The Town Hub would provide a welcoming place where people can access healthcare, support, learning opportunities and community activities closer to home. It has the potential to become a real focal point for the community and an important part of everyday life in Northstowe.”
Fellow District Councillor for Northstowe, Cllr Sunita Hansraj, commented: “This is an exciting proposal that would help create the vibrant town centre that Northstowe residents deserve. Bringing together community, library and health facilities in one landmark building would make it easier for people to access services while also providing spaces where residents can meet, learn and connect. We look forward to hearing local views as part of the planning consultation.”
The Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service has now launched a public consultation as part of the planning process before the application is determined. People can comment on the planning application by searching for the planning reference 26/03221/REM with comments encouraged by Wednesday 30 September 2026.
Once the public consultation has ended, all comments will be carefully considered, and the application will be determined by the District Council’s Planning Committee. If permission is given, the Council will provide Northstowe residents with information about when building work will start and details about when it is expected to open.
Last month, the District Council confirmed that Morrisons Daily will open the first convenience store in Northstowe in the Council’s newly built retail store. South Cambridgeshire District Council has also already delivered the award-winning Unity Centre for Northstowe, along with the Western Park sports pavilion, and continues to develop exciting plans for a second sports pavilion, which will be near to the existing education campus and recently opened BMX pump track.
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