How Northstowe residents have shaped this proposal (Support Us)
This proposal has been shaped by local feedback and regular conversations so it reflects what residents have said they want, and the practical concerns they’ve raised.
What we’ve done so far
- Town-wide “Have Your Say” survey (still open): shared via local WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages and and also featured in the Cambridge Independent
- Formal community survey: 110 responses, highlighting priorities such as wellbeing, youth & education, arts/culture and sustainability
- Household needs survey: 104 responses, capturing day-to-day local needs and practical concerns
- Events and festivals: feedback gathered through conversations, comment cards, post-event reflections and activity logs
- Weekly Pop-Up Meetings: regular opportunities for residents to share ideas and concerns
- Youth and family voice: youth clubs/workshops, Youth Parliament Week (Nov 2025) activity, and ongoing parent/carer feedback
- Wider evidence: signature campaign (1,024 submissions) and ongoing social media feedback (comments, messages, polls)
What happens next: co-design with residents
If successful, we will continue co-creating the project through a Northstowe Design Forum (in-person workshops plus a digital channel). Residents will help shape the layout, accessibility, shared spaces and how the centre is run and we will choose the final name together through community consultation.
Key Commitments
Northstowe-first: designed primarily for local residents and local groups as S106 community infrastructure
Fair access: one transparent booking system and an inclusive use policy
Community-led space: around 79% of the building is shared, bookable community space
Accessible opening: daytime and evening access across the week, reviewed against demand
Safeguarding built in: DBS-checked volunteers where required, clear policies and oversight
Respectful interfaith welcome: two prayer/reflection rooms for different faiths and no faith
Neighbourhood-first operations: clear event controls and traffic/parking management to prevent disruption and overspill parking
Measured impact: GDPR-compliant feedback and participation data to improve what we offer
Phased, funded progress: we move forward step by step with confirmed funding
Delivery confidence
We have set out a clear five-year phased approach. Each phase delivers a usable outcome and visible community benefit, and we move forward step by step with secured funding.
- Funded-first delivery: each phase begins only when funding is in place, ensuring strong financial stability.
- Multiple income streams: regular community pledges alongside earned income through space hire and programmes.
- Strong governance: charity trustee oversight with clear financial controls and reporting.
- Transparent delivery: clear milestones, risk management and regular updates for the community.
- Growing local backing: an active supporter base and recurring pledges help support day-to-day sustainability.
How residents can get involved
- Take the survey (QR code) to shape priorities, activities and the final name
- Volunteer (youth, wellbeing, events, admin, skills support)
Partner with us (local groups who need space, services, or joint projects)