Northstowe "Unity Centre" construction among 12 month Council plans
It's been announced in South Cambridgeshire District Council's plans for the upcoming year
It's been confirmed plans for a new community centre at Northstowe is due to begin construction in March.
South Cambridgeshire District Council's (SCDC) made the announcement following a meeting to discuss their plans for the upcoming year.
The centre, named by locals as the "Unity Centre" will include a spacious multi-use hall, a playful messy room, meeting rooms, provision for a cafe and a landscape courtyard with bespoke artwork inspired by Northstowe's history.
It is hoped to be open in early 2026, and is one of many buildings planned for the area.
Other plans for the next 12 months
SCDC has also announced a change in bin services, with plans to introduce weekly collections, with roll out planned for 2026.
It's hoped the notice will see Greater Cambridge Shared Waste capture even more waste by preventing more from going into black bins.
New websites have also been introduced for the council, with it's first use of AI on the site, aiming to enable a faster and easier way to access the information signposted.
SCDC say plans are also underway for a telephone Voice AI Assistant will also be introduced, alongside their staff at the Contact Centre.
The plans will help free up the staff to support those with "more complex issues" over the phone.
Five year plan
Councillors have also backed the proposals for the priorities for the next five years, in response to almost 400 community responses from a consultation last year.
The proposed priorities for South Cambridgeshire are:
- Healthy and Supported Communities
- Sustainable Homes and Vibrant Places
- Being Green to our Core
- Helping Businesses to Thrive in South Cambridgeshire
- Financially Secure and Fit for the Future
Council Tax agreed
SCDC say less than half of their annual budget is funded from local Council Tax, with the rest coming from external sources such as Business Rates and grants, and Council investments.
A £5.09 per year increase in Council Tax for the average band D home was agreed by Cabinet members, with approval needed from a Full Council meeting on February 25.
It would bring the annual tax on a Band D home in South Cambridgeshire to £175.40, and maintains the Council in their position of the 25% of District Councils in the country when it comes to its Council Tax charge.