A topping out ceremony has taken place to celebrate the final structural piece of Northstowe’s Unity Centre being placed. This marked a significant milestone in the construction of the permanent community centre, which is being carried out by Kier as South Cambridgeshire District Council’s construction partner.
Installation of the sustainable Cross Laminated Timber frame took place between May and July, revealing the building’s shell. You can watch a video of the frame being put into place on the District Council’s YouTube channel.
Window and door installation and roof works are nearing completion, with low level brickwork progressing to all elevations. The internally exposed timber has been treated, allowing internal walls to progress, as well as the initial phase of mechanical and electrical (M&E) work. Upcoming external works include photovoltaic panel and green roof instillation and cladding.
The state-of-the-art facility will include a large multi-purpose main hall, a welcoming foyer which could host a café, plus a base for staff and the Town Council office. It will also have meeting rooms, a shared co-working space, and a flexible activity area designed for arts and crafts, or workshops.
A main priority for the District Council is ‘being green to our core’, and with sustainability in mind, the building has been designed with Passivhaus principles. It will also have solar panels, ground source heat pumps, and green roofs. Externally, the landscaping will support biodiversity with trees, hedges, bird and bat boxes, and bee houses. Additionally, there will be 70 bicycle parking spaces.
Accessibility is a priority within the buildings design, which includes a changing places facility equipped with an adult-sized changing bed and hoist. The outdoor space will be safe and secure for users to enjoy.
At a Cabinet meeting earlier this year, the District Council agreed in principle to accept Northstowe Town Council’s proposal for a Community Asset Transfer. This will transfer the building to the Town Council allowing them to operate the community centre, pending the necessary agreement from government. No other bids from local organisations were received. Both Councils are working together to finalise a leasehold agreement as the construction of the building progresses.
Cllr Henry Batchelor, Lead Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "Reaching this milestone within the project is a significant achievement and it’s great to see the building taking shape. The Unity Centre will serve as a vibrant and spacious hub offering a wide range of community activities, events, and services. So far in Northstowe, we’ve provided Western Park Sports Pavilion and The Cabin - the temporary community centre. Both have proved to be well-used, popular facilities. I’m delighted that the District Council has contributed £6.5 million towards this project to ensure Northstowe residents have access to a sustainable and thriving community centre.
We will continue to work with Northstowe Town Council to agree final terms of lease, and I look forward to seeing the finished facility early next year.”
Tom Martin, regional director, Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands, said: "Northstowe Unity Centre is an exciting project that we are proud to be a part of. This high-quality building is progressing well and reaching this milestone is a great achievement for all involved. Once completed, the Unity Centre will provide a modern and welcoming space that will benefit the community of Northstowe for decades to come.
“It has been designed with sustainability at its core, and the cross-laminated timber superstructure makes this building even more special. As well as being a high quality, reliable and a more sustainable material, another benefit for choosing cross-laminated timber was to enable off-site prefabrication, allowing us to execute a faster, more efficient construction process.”
A District Councillor for Northstowe, Cllr Tom Bygott, said: "It’s fantastic to see the Unity Centre taking shape right in the heart of Northstowe. This milestone reflects the dedication of everyone involved and the growing strength of our community. As construction moves forward, we’re one step closer to delivering a vibrant, inclusive space where residents can connect, collaborate, and celebrate together."
Fellow District Councillor for Northstowe, Cllr Natalie Warren-Green, said: "The Unity Centre reaching its highest point is an exciting moment for everyone involved in the development and delivery of Northstowe. The building is really impressive with an iconic presence for residents and those passing Northstowe. Now, we are working on creating a thriving building to meet the needs of residents and community groups. I am really impressed and pleased with how the team is working with Northstowe groups to deliver style and functionality."
Mayor of Northstowe Town Council, Cllr Jason Benedicic, said: “Northstowe Town Council is proud to mark the topping out of the Unity Centre, a landmark moment in bringing this much anticipated community facility to life. We extend our sincere thanks to South Cambridgeshire District Council and Kier for their dedication and expertise in delivering a building of such quality and vision.
Constructed using sustainable Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and equipped with solar panels, ground-source heat pump technology, green roof, and more, the Unity Centre sets a benchmark for environmentally responsible development. This forward-looking design will not only minimise its carbon footprint but also provide a welcoming, energy efficient space at the heart of the community.
The Unity Centre will become a central hub for community activities, events, and services. A place where people come together, connections are built, and the future of our town is shaped. We look forward with excitement to opening its doors and seeing it play a key role in Northstowe’s story for many years to come.”
