Cambridgeshire Town Poised to Transform into Mini Prague with Pop-Up Cafes, Bars, and Shops

Proposals for establishing a new provisional communal area during the subsequent stage of the town centre redevelopment have been disclosed. This interim facility will facilitate an array of initial town centre functions as enduring amenities in Northstowe come online.

This might encompass various temporary stores, bars, and cafés popping up around the town. According to Homes England, the concept of 'mid-term community infrastructure' has proven successful globally with projects like El Jardin de las Intersecciones, Re-green North Kensington, and Manifesto Market in Prague.

The businesses operating within the transient communal area might expand and relocate to Northstowe’s enduring downtown district. A development proposal filed with the Greater Cambridge JointPlanning Unit seeks authorization to establish an area designated for public events and meetings. It also encompasses plans for landscape design alongside provisional structures capable of supporting various adaptable commercial activities.

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The provisional communal space will be situated across from the Northstowe Learning Community on the west side of Stirling Road, inside the zone earmarked for Northstowe's upcoming town centre. This plan includes a prepared base and region where prefabricated sections can be installed, offering transient and 'pop-up' businesses and organisations an area to establish community services, host events, and launch various projects.

The application features artists' renditions aimed at showcasing the ambiance of the region along with the type of temporary structures that might be proposed by development collaborators in the coming days.

It is mentioned that the usage of the space can be quite 'versatile.' Potential applications might encompass:

• Commercial, Business and Services
• Institutional uses
• Local Community and Learning
• Sui Generis (public house, wine bar, or drinking establishment)

These proposals might encompass pop-up cafes, adaptable office and art zones, stalls, along with a playground. Additionally, the designs incorporate scenic sections that will harmonise with the overall verdant ambiance of the broader community. Special spots for parked cars and bicycles have been allocated for guests as well.

Matthew Brown, who leads Large Sites operations at Homes England and is overseeing phases two and three of Northstowe as the lead developer, stated: “This submission embodies our aim to establish a provisional commercial venture offering an energetic and flexible area. Local enterprises and organizations could then utilize this space for activities such as retail, food service, gatherings, and community engagement in the foreseeable future.”

“It’s part of our vision to support both residents and businesses through Northstowe’s development journey, providing spaces where the community can come together as permanent town centre facilities are planned and developed over the coming years. By creating a flexible community space at an early stage in the town’s development, we can also trial different uses and help shape the long-term vision for Northstowe’s permanent town centre.”

Northstowe stands as one of Britain’s major emerging towns situated close to Cambridge. Once finished, it will encompass a blend of residences, commercial areas, recreational spots, and communal facilities. Currently in the initial phases of construction, Northstowe is set to be developed over three distinct stages. Construction for stage one is nearing conclusion, accounting for roughly 15 percent of the total planned township. Meanwhile, work has commenced on phase two, which includes plans for a provisional community hub.

Currently, Northstowe boasts several community amenities such as a well-established sports pavilion, a bustling central community hub, and a lively taproom, all contributing to residents enjoying an energetic, healthy, and entertaining way of life. Additionally, work proceeds on developing the town’s Eastern Sports Hub, encompassing features like a BMX track, a business unit within Keepmoat’s Stirling Fields, and plans for a lasting community center. Once finished, this enduring community facility will include a principal hall, a café, conference rooms, recreational areas, municipal council offices, a patio garden, and spots designated for bike storage.

The plans for the proposed new temporary community area stem from the collaboration agreement made public last year among Homes England, Keepmoat, and Capital&Centric. This partnership was aimed at speeding up the development of residences along with a multi-purpose central hub in Northstowe. Homes England remains engaged with Capital&Centric as well as additional collaborators to investigate creative methods for bringing these areas to life.

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