First phase moves forward for Grange Farm North Alconbury Weald travel update: survey results
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Winter 2020/21 Green light for the next phase First phase moves Alconbury Weald 2020: a year at Campus update: forward for Grange travel update: Alconbury Weald County Council HQ Farm North survey results reviewed nears completion
Contents 03
04 Alconbury Weald update Hello and welcome to our Winter Housebuilding has continued, with
04 Key Phase 1 extension 2020/21 newsletter, which provides an all contractors adapting working
update on the latest developments practices to meet new health and
06 The Pavilion safety guidelines. As well as providing
at Alconbury Weald.
07 The Glade updates from the housebuilders, we
08 Garland Park Despite the challenges presented by have case studies from some of our
Coronavirus and the Government residents who are enjoying life at the
10 Alconbury Weald: Phase 2 restrictions to help reduce the spread of Weald.
10 Site preparation works the virus, Alconbury Weald continues
12 Grange Farm North to flourish and our update includes Ermine Street Church Academy has
14 Southern Gateway information on: the new community done a fantastic job during the
facilities coming forward as part of the Coronavirus pandemic and we caught
16 Transport first phase of development – The up with Ali Machin, Deputy Head, to
16 Ermine Street works Pavilion, The Glade and Garland Park; see how the children, parents and staff
18 Travel update Key Phase 1 extension, which will have risen to the challenge. We’ve also
deliver the next 1,000 homes and the been finding out more about DEMAT’s
22 New homes Education Campus with a new plans for Alconbury Weald Church
26 Education secondary school and special school; Academy, the new secondary school In 2020, we launched a new
26 ESCA and the start of Phase 2, Grange Farm and Spring Common Academy Trust’s
North. plans for the new special school, podcast series that explores
27 Education Campus
28 Secondary School
Prestley Wood Academy. Alconbury Weald.
Transport and infrastructure are
29 Special School important parts of any new Although many businesses have
development and work is moving struggled due to the pandemic and
30 Community forward on the Southern Gateway to lockdown restrictions, we’ve had
2020: The Year in Review Alconbury Weald, which will connect positive news and seen businesses
34 Campus News the site directly to the A141 and move into and expand in the Incubator
Huntingdon. We have also been buildings in the Campus and the new
39 Skills and Learning working with the Parish Council and County Council HQ is on schedule to
42 Urban&Civic news County Council on traffic calming open in late Summer 2021.
improvements and speed reductions In the first episode, BBC’s Mike Dilger discovers
44 Contact along Ermine Street, and looking at the We have also been working with Target the fascinating ecology of Alconbury Weald. With
results of the 2020 Travel Survey to help Apprenticeships and EDGE (the jobs 45% of land coming forward as green spaces
improve sustainable choices for people brokerage service) to support local – both through the preservation and enhancement
travelling to and from Alconbury Weald. people looking for jobs. EDGE will be of existing habitats and new ones being created
hitting the road in 2021, so its services – Alconbury Weald has been designed to achieve
Since the first residents moved in to are more accessible to people living in a net gain of biodiversity through each phase
Alconbury Weald over four years ago, the district. and across the whole development.
over 470 houses are now occupied,
and our community continues to pull We hope you enjoy this edition of the Residents can enjoy close proximity to nature
together and thrive despite the newsletter and welcome your thoughts with easy access to pocket parks, play areas and
challenges presented by the for future articles. dipping ponds, with plenty of room to explore,
pandemic. Our Year in Review provides play and relax. The podcast also introduces the
With very best wishes
some of our highlights from 2020, McDonald family, among the first residents at
Becca
including Summer Saturdays, Alconbury Weald, who take listeners with them
Halloweald and our Christmas advent on a journey around Wild Weald.
calendar. Our weekly food trucks also
continue to prove incredibly popular. The second episode, presented by archaeologist
and Channel 5 broadcaster Raksha Dave,
explores the area’s fascinating heritage – from
the Bronze Age to the Cold War. The heritage
Rebecca Britton podcast offers interesting insights from:
Communications, Communities and Partnerships Malcolm, an Alconbury Weald resident who was
E: rbritton@urbanandcivic.com stationed at RAF Alconbury in 1985; landscape
T: +44 (0)1480 413 141 / M: +44 (0)7739 339 889 architect Joanne John who explains how the
site’s heritage has informed the landscape
alconbury-weald.co.uk | urbanandcivic.com design; and archaeologist Clemency Cooper,
Follow us on Twitter: @AlconburyWHomes who draws the listeners’ attention to Alconbury
@beccaU&C @AlconburyCampus Weald’s fascinating history during the Iron Age,
early Roman period and medieval times.
Follow us on Instagram: alconburyweald
Download the episodes at: www.alconbury-
weald.co.uk/podcast/
04 Alconbury Weald update 05
Next 1,000 homes and
secondary school move
into delivery
The extension to the first key phase of This work continues in conjunction with the
development at Alconbury Weald was approved mobilisation of the design and build teams that
by Huntingdonshire District Council in November are working up plans for the secondary and
2020. It will include an Education Campus with a special schools, which will be run by the Diocese
secondary school and special school, the next of Ely Multi Academy Trust and Spring Common
1,000 homes, shops and employment space as Academy Trust respectively. Planning applications
well as parks and open spaces. for these are expected in the Summer (see page
27 for more information).
The extension will sit east of the existing phase
of homes and cover land up to the central part We have also been working with housebuilders
of the historic Cold War runway, which will in time to progress planning applications for the 1,000
become a large strategic park running through homes around the Education Campus, with
the centre of the development and connecting planning applications expected to be submitted
to the planned 150 acre Country Park. by them over the next few weeks.
ROAD
NWELL
Work has already started to prepare the area Go to www.alconbury-weald.co.uk/news to find
BAR
and consent has also been secured to start to out more and keep up to date with the latest
put in place the infrastructure to support the news from Alconbury Weald.
AD
homes. This includes water, power and broadband
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06 Alconbury Weald update We feel the facilities in The Glade will complement 07
those we already have and become an important
part of the community going forward.
Rachel Arnold Communications, Communities & Partnerships, Urban&Civic
The Pavilion The Glade
Work is progressing well on the new cricket After a series of discussions with residents and operators,
pavilion and community centre at the heart
of the first phase of Alconbury Weald. designs are now coming to fruition for the new community
Due to be completed in Spring 2021, The Pavilion
area, The Glade, which will create a new centre within the
has an anchor use as a cricket pavilion, with first phase of Alconbury Weald.
social space for functions and events overlooking
the pitch. The building draws on traditional
approaches in the local area but has a modern
design and light and airy feel in keeping with
Alconbury Weald’s public buildings.
The single storey building was designed with
extensive input from Cricket East and has a
players’ lobby, club room, changing rooms and
physiotherapy rooms, which can also be used
for health support for the new community. The
Pavilion will also provide a flexible community
hall, kitchens and toilets, and include an office
for the development’s Communities Team.
Cricket East has already supported a number
of training and community sessions – including
the Big Summer Bash in July 2019, which saw
Sir John Major ‘christen’ the ground with an
inaugural match for local residents.
We will continue to work with Cricket East to plan
more events when the Covid-19 restrictions lift,
so everyone can enjoy this fantastic new
community facility.
The Pavilion is being constructed by long
established, Cambridge-based company, Coulson
Building Group, which recruits and trains people
from the local area.
Tom Gillard, Senior Manager at Coulson Building
Group, said: “We’re pleased that Urban&Civic has
chosen our company to help deliver this ambitious
project, which will bring benefits not only to those
living at Alconbury Weald, but the local community
as a whole.”
CGI of The Pavilion
Early CGI of potential layout for The Glade
Community spaces Our company has worked in the area for Give your view
We want to know what type of events and 136 years and the team is proud to be a part Help shape the designs for a brand-new
activities residents want to see at Alconbury of something that will create long-term value community area at Alconbury Weald:
Weald. If you have ideas or want to get www.givemyview.com/thegladeaw/polls
involved, please email Natalie Leigh-Brown: for thousands of individuals and families Please respond by 8 March.
natalie.leigh-brown@urbanandcivic.com living at the development or nearby.
Tom Gillard Senior Manager at Coulson Building Group
08 Alconbury Weald update
Garland Park
Garland Park will provide landscaped green space along the
route of one of the airfield’s former taxiways, connecting Ermine
Street Church Academy to the top of the Glade local centre.
It will include a variety of multi-functional green spaces, with
areas for recreation and play along this safe pedestrian and
cyclist priority route.
Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3
Opened Spring/Summer 2020 Completion Spring 2022 Completion Autumn/Winter 2025
The first section of Garland Park goes The second section will run through the The final section, which lies to the
from Ermine Street Church Academy the middle of the Morris Homes’ housing east of Parcel 7 and Hopkins’ second
to the northern boundary of Hopkins parcel and provide landscaped spaces housing parcel, will complete the
Homes’ first housing parcel. It includes: for relaxing and play within a connection up to the local centre. It
community orchard, which will have will include a community orchard, new
● Tree planting: 35 new trees,
24 apple trees, including a number of play area, tree planting, hedgerows,
including a large London Plane tree
the local Huntingdon Codlins. ornamental and shrub planting, wild-
● Hedgerows: 130m of new hornbeam flowers, seating and amenity space.
hedgerow It will include timber log seating areas
and picnic tables for community use;
● Games area: two freestanding an informal play trail and green space
concrete table tennis tables for for play opportunities; black stained
community use timber pergola to support climbing
● Play park: with wooden play plants; and an open grass area with a
equipment, slide, seating and picnic large feature tree, which is likely to be
benches a Cappadocian Maple – a specimen
with red foliage that will act as a focal
● Green area with play space and point and landmark along Garland
features such as jumping blocks, Park.
net climbing, swings, slide and play
boulders as well as picnic benches
and seating.
Get involved
As each phase progresses, we will continue to ask for thoughts and
input to help shape the design, and to ensure the outdoor space
and facilities deliver what people want and need.
10 Alconbury Weald update We are really grateful for everyone’s patience 11
while the work goes on and we are through the
worst of it now. The final works should be completed
by the end of February 2021.
Scott Edwards Project Manager, Urban&Civic
Key Phase 1 extension: Existing buildings demolished
site preparation works
704
Existing walls demolished
Existing roads/hard standings
broken out
Existing fencing demolished
To get the ground ready for the next phase of homes and the CP1
47.323
Phase 2 boundary
new Education Campus, the team has been busy carrying out Phase 1 boundary
demolition and site preparation works. 88
523
83 R U
N W
A Y
The works, which started in August 2020, included which would have full days of hammering noise,
B1
48.275
the demolition and removal of around 20 buildings and helped minimise any impact on the homes
of varying sizes – from hangars and storage and businesses around. We are really grateful Y
528
buildings to small substations that needed to be for everyone’s patience while the work goes on 540
B2
48.425
taken down. and we are through the worst of it now. The final
works should be completed by the end of 519
Hardstanding also needed to be lifted from small
518
February 2021.” LL 520 105
48.057
internal roads and the taxiway for the runway.
AL103
521
48.859
All the material taken up from this hardstanding The team will then start putting in the 517
KK
will be kept on site, recycled and used in future infrastructure for the next phase and carrying 113
114 105A
47.984
works, which will save approximately 3–4,000 out the earthworks to prepare the ground for the POL 527
HGV trips from having to go onto the local road education campus. They will also be putting in
106
47.179
525 726
522
148 514
network and thousands of tonnes going into the ditches and ponds required for the
AL103A
48.053
449
550
448
579
149
waste. This approach is part of Urban&Civic’s sustainable drainage system.
E
539
513
541
751
commitment to recycling 98% of materials from 547
534
512
the brownfield site, as part of its sustainability If you have any queries about these works,
524
POL 552 546
526
strategy. please email alconbury@urbanandcivic.com
or call 01480 413141.
553
Scott Edwards, Project Manager at Urban&Civic
who oversaw the works, said: “The range of work
varies from quite careful and detailed removal of
fixtures and fittings, to some hefty machinery
helping to lift the hardstanding. The work can be
Care and conservation
quite noisy, so we used a modern Arrow Breaker Alconbury Weald has a commitment to Jeff Hawley, from the Airfield Research expertise in recording, and helping us
– a remote controlled machine with a 7 tonne ensuring the history of the site is fully Group, said: “Some of the most conserve important features such as
guillotine at the front – to break up the concrete recorded, and important aspects incidental items and artwork left this wall art. Not only do they capture
hardstanding. This was a much quicker and preserved and brought into the future behind can provide a rich sense of the an interesting part of the history, but
quieter process than the traditional method, development as part of its heritage activity and pride of those based here. they create a powerful connection with
strategy. Photographs were taken of We continue to work with Urban&Civic the individual crews who served here.”
all the buildings in the Key Phase 1 to preserve items such as this to
extension and these are catalogued ensure we can tell the history of the
with any old plans or details about site in the future.”
historic uses of the buildings and area.
The detailed work was carried out by
One of the walls in Building 520 – an Conservation experts Cliveden, who
AREA OF WORKS old aircraft hangar where helicopters had to carefully cut the blockwork
were maintained – depicted wall art wall around the artwork whilst both
left behind by the 21st Special protecting the artwork from damage
Operation Squadron, who were based and supporting the wall structure.
at RAF Alconbury in the 1990s with Cliveden built a bespoke frame on site
their distinctive Pave Low helicopters to lift out and transport the wall in
– captured in the artwork. one piece so that it could be stored
You can see a video of the work for future use as part of Alconbury
undertaken on the Alconbury Weald The work on this is supported by the Weald’s heritage areas.
website: www.alconbury-weald/news Airfield Research Group, the on-site
charity which supports Urban&Civic Rebecca Britton added: “We’re grateful
with historical research, recording and to the Airfield Research Group and
analysis. Cliveden Conservation for their
12 Alconbury Weald: Phase 2 The Country Park is a key part of the vision 13
for creating an attractive, healthy and
sustainable Alconbury Weald.
Joe Dawson Senior Development Manager, Urban&Civic
View of the Primary School
Grange Farm North
In June 2019, Urban&Civic submitted plans to take forward the
planned Country Park together with the delivery of up to 1,500
homes on the Grange Farm area of Alconbury Weald.
The planning applications form the second phase
of Alconbury Weald, but have been delayed by
ongoing studies being undertaken by the
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined
Authority assessing the potential realigned A141
to provide a new northern ring road to Huntingdon.
Urban&Civic has been working with partners
to ensure a joined-up approach to transport
planning, both around the realigned A141, the
Cambridge Autonomous Metro (CAM) and the
rail station which will create a significant
sustainable transport hub to the eastern side
of the development. This will support the main The updated approach includes:
public transport spine through the development, ● 750 homes
connecting the CAM to local bus services, cycle ● a new Primary School incorporating early
connections and walking routes around years provision
Alconbury Weald.
● just under 7 acres (3 hectares) of sports
While the timings and technical details are pitches (within the Country Park)
being worked up by the Combined Authority, ● up to 2,000 sqm of retail/cafe and community
Urban&Civic is progressing a revised phased space
approach to the Grange Farm and Country Park ● around 30% green space within the residential
applications. This would enable work to start on area.
the first phase of 750 homes planned for the
area of Grange Farm unaffected by the potential The early delivery of the Country Park will focus
new A141 road. It would crucially still enable on enhancing Prestley Wood, significant early
early delivery of the first phases of the Country tree planting and beginning the transformation
Park, as well as deliver the Southern Gateway of the northern area of Grange Farm – from
that will connect Alconbury Weald directly to intensively farmed land to nature-focussed
the existing A141 and Huntingdon. grassland and woodland.
Joe Dawson, Senior Development Manager for Between them, the development programmes This phase will deliver extensive
Urban&Civic, said: “This approach does not will also enable the start of a significant cycle and walking routes between
the new homes, the Country Park
change the overall plans but enables us to investment in leisure routes for walking, cycling and the first phase of Alconbury
continue momentum on the development while and horseriding, which has been developed Weald.
the details are refined for the realigned A141. through workshops with the County and District
Once we know the exact route and the detailed Council and input from local riding groups.
designs, we can see if we need to do any
updating design work on the southern section of Joe added: “The Country Park will not be
Grange Farm. Crucially it means we can begin delivered overnight, but by getting started early The updated application will be re-submitted
work to connect the development directly to we hope it can start to rewild and grow alongside in the next few weeks and the full details will be
Huntingdon and start early delivery of the 150 the development. Working with and enhancing available at Huntingdonshire District Council’s
acre (60 hectare) Country Park, which will benefit the existing Rights of Way, and protecting and planning portal: www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/
not just Alconbury Weald residents but the wider enhancing Prestley Wood, is a really important planning/
area. The past few months have clearly shown part of the vision local partners share to create
we all need more accessible green space on our an important green lung for the north of A printed copy will be available at The Club,
doorsteps!” Huntingdon.” Alconbury Weald (by appointment).
14 Alconbury Weald: Phase 2 15
Southern Gateway landscape plan
Species-rich grassland mixes
form a compatible and
complementary habitat near
to the Great Stukeley Way
railway cutting
Southern Gateway
secures approval Mown route through
swaiths of species-rich
wildflower and grassland
Species-rich
grassland
The Southern Gateway to Alconbury Weald has been an to provide visual interest
and bio-diversity
important part of the vision from the start.
It will connect the development directly to the Perhaps most importantly of all, this connection
Woodland planting along
A141 and the town of Huntingdon and enable and the work coming forward in Grange Farm southern access to soften
GREAT STUKELEY WAY
the wider area to access the planned rail station. will open up important cycle connections for RAILWAY CUTTING
views, mitigate the loss
The connection is also part of protecting the Alconbury Weald and in time support the CAM of any vegetation, and
enhance the existing
Stukeleys and providing Alconbury Weald coming through as a central public transport hedgerow
residents with purpose-built cycle and walking spine for Alconbury Weald.”
routes and quicker bus connections into town,
and in time the route for the Cambridge Routes from the Southern Gateway have also
Autonomous Metro (CAM). been designed to support the delivery of a rail
station at Alconbury Weald and the Combined
While the initial designs submitted back in 2018 Authority, local councils and Urban&Civic Sections of existing
were to bring forward an innovative ‘through- continue to work with Network Rail, Department hedgerow removed to
facilitate construction
about’ design that prioritised bus movements for Transport and Homes England to progress of the southern access. Species-rich
through a roundabout, our transport engineers the additional station on the East Coast Mainline. Planting proposals will hedgerow planting
have been working with the County Council to be included to mitigate
loss of vegetation as
ensure the designs co-ordinate with the ongoing part of a wider, holistic
design work on the future A141 and investment landscape strategy Minimum 10m-wide
landscape buffer zone
in the CAM. The new design has now passed
through its full review by the County Council
team and we will be appointing contractors to
Proposed footway/
implement the new arrangement. cycleway to tie in
with existing public
Joe Dawson, Senior Development Manager for right of way
Urban&Civic, said: “We are so pleased that after
so many months of reworking the designs we
have an agreed design we can now implement. PART C
This is an important connection, not just for the
new residents at Alconbury Weald but for the Existing highway
vegetation to be
Stukeleys too, as it will take pressure away from retained wherever
Ermine Street. With the A1307 and new A14 as possible
well, it is great to see some of the core bits of
infrastructure coming forward as we move into
the final section of the first phase and start to PART B
take forward the second phase of the
development.
The connections will be phased in
PART A
delivery: with the route from the
A141 put in first, a temporary
connection established using Route
B initially, and then the permanent
Route C coming forward in the next
phase of development.
Southern Gateway
Detail opposite
Existing planting to be cut
back to enable construction
of the new carriageway
alignment
16 Transport 17
Welcome to the village of
LITTLE
STUKELEY
Traffic calming
Following the installation of the full scheme of environmental
enhancements and traffic calming along Ermine Street in 2018,
there have been a number of issues and concerns raised to the
Parish Council, County Council and Urban&Civic. These have
coincided with the formal post-implementation safety review
that the County Council carry out, which recommended
additional signage to be added along the scheme.
For a full technical drawing of the
plans, please visit the website at
www.alconbury-weald.co.uk/news
Existing speed
cushions to be
retained
LITTLE STUKELEY
ERMINE STREET Existing speed cushions to be removed
and replaced with table-top road humps
with uncontrolled pedestrian crossing
MILL ROAD OWL END
GREAT STUKELEY Existing speed
cushions to be
Existing speed retained
cushions to be
ERMINE STREET
retained
Existing speed cushions to be removed
and replaced with table-top road humps
CHURCH ROAD with uncontrolled pedestrian crossing
NORTH
ERMINE STREET
Proposed table-top road hump
Existing speed cushions to be removed
and replaced with table-top road humps
CHURCH ROAD
SOUTH
18 Travel and transport 19
The primary modes of transport used by
Travel Survey 2020 people living at Alconbury Weald to get to
Alconbury Weald is aiming to become a truly sustainable their workplace.
community: that’s partly about putting in place the right Last year, due to Coronavirus, many normal
travel behaviours and choices were different.
infrastructure and services for people to lead low carbon lives as While we carried out the Travel Survey as usual,
the development rolls out, and creating a culture where people all results have been analysed with that in mind.
choose low carbon travel options. The development’s Sustainable
For example we weren’t surprised to see more 4%
people based at Alconbury Enterprise Campus
4%
Travel Plan aims to minimise the use of cars, increase the use of working from home or driving alone. The 8%
residential survey was slightly more surprising
public transport and cycling, and reduce any associated as only 8% of respondents were working from
8% 67%
environmental impacts on the local and wider area. home, but we believe this is due to the high
number of our residents who are key workers.
We will be monitoring the situation as a Covid-19 9%
We asked Polly Williams, Smart Journeys This knowledge puts us in a strong position to vaccine is rolled out and considering what the
Project Manager, who is helping implement encourage people moving to Alconbury Weald future may look like post-pandemic and how to
the Travel Plan for Alconbury Weald, to to consider switching travel methods as they prepare for this change. The feedback received
explain what is involved. adjust to life in their new homes and establish from the Travel Survey will enable us to develop
new travel routines. a new action plan that recognises what change
The Travel Plan for Alconbury Weald is a may look like and help us to improve sustainable
dynamic living document that outlines a We recognise that not every journey can be made choices for residents travelling to and from
package of appropriate measures aimed to sustainably, and our role isn’t to penalise car Alconbury Weald.
encourage more sustainable travel, with an drivers. Our aim is to understand what prevents
emphasis on reducing single occupancy car use. individuals from using sustainable transport, The primary mode of transport for people
then use that information to deliver initiatives working at Alconbury Weald.
The main objectives are to: that encourage positive behaviour change.
● improve the health of residents and visitors
through increased walking and cycling. We will be working with residents, workplaces
4% 1% 1%
and the school to offer support and provide the
● reduce congestion by implementing strategies
tools needed to ensure that sustainable modes
that encourage alternative forms of transport
of travel are maximised. We will also be
rather than car usage.
monitoring progress through our annual Travel
● decrease pollutants from vehicles and create Survey to ensure we are working towards
a cleaner environment. achieving our targets and goals.
● ensure all activities promote social
engagement and involve, inform and empower Why do you think this is important?
46% of all car trips in the UK are less than two
all residents to make the right choices for them.
miles, yet we live in a society where we are
45% 49%
How are you involved? What is your role? dependent on the car! At Alconbury Weald, we
We know that the most effective times to change want to develop a community where we all play
a behaviour is when an individual is going through our part in making small positive changes to
a big change in their life – whether that’s a promote healthy lifestyles and reduce congestion,
relationship, change of job or moving to a new energy consumption and pollution in places
house. where we live, work and play.20 Travel and transport 21
Driving forward the
On your bike
Cambridgeshire
Last year, Smart Journeys rolled out a series
of initiatives to encourage cycling in and around
Alconbury Weald, and help break down some
Autonomous Metro
of the barriers people feel about cycling more.
The team will be working with Urban&Civic as
the development continues to roll out more cycle
connections.
This includes:
A step forward for the Cambridgeshire Autonomous
● Bike servicing sessions to fix punctures and Metro (CAM) has been taken with the setting up of
ensure residents’ bikes are in tip-top condition a dedicated company tasked with its delivery.
to explore local and wider cycleways safely.
● 30 day free bike hire to give residents the The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Other routes extend to St Neots, Mayor James Palmer said: “Our region
opportunity to try before you buy. This includes Combined Authority, led by Mayor Mildenhall and Haverhill, linking has a reputation for attracting the
electric, Brompton, cargo and tandem bikes. James Palmer, has established One settlements and employment sites very brightest and best people, and
● 1-2-1 cycle training lesson to help residents CAM Limited to give the scheme the across the region. It is anticipated that we expect nothing less of the
make safe and enjoyable journeys and teach special focus and resource now needed these regional routes will be connected appointments we make to this delivery
key skills such as good road positioning, to drive it forward. Such delivery via tunnels under Cambridge city company. Bringing in the right people
signaling and visibility. Even the most companies are common with other centre. will help us build confidence and
experienced cyclist is guaranteed to learn major transport schemes, including support in Government and across
something new. East West Rail and Crossrail. The first appointment to the delivery the region that we need to take the
company was the Board chair, Lord delivery of CAM to the next level.”
● Bike maintenance course to give beginners Robert Mair CBE, who is based in
The CAM is one of the UK’s biggest
basic knowledge so they can deal with a Cambridge and is one of the world’s
infrastructure schemes and aims to The Combined Authority has also
roadside puncture and keep their bike in good most renowned tunnel engineers. Lord
support the future growth of the region launched Conceptual Design Challenge,
condition. Mair, a member of the House of Lords,
by building world class, future-proofed asking engineers, designers,
public transport. As well as providing has been closely involved with the academics and other experts to come
Polly Williams added: “It is encouraging that 31%
fast, convenient, zero-emission design and construction of the Jubilee up with conceptual designs for the
of residents are cycling more since Covid-19 and
we hope to be able to provide support and School safety journeys, the CAM will also help Line Extension, HS1 and Crossrail. CAM, including what vehicles could be
encouragement, so this positive trend continues.” sustainably support much needed used. Three winning designs, which will
new housing and jobs, while also Since then, five other Board members inform and could transform the delivery
We know the new bollards outside Ermine Street have been recruited as Non-Executive
Smart Journeys will be outside the Watch Office helping to protect the environment. of the CAM, will be revealed in March.
Church Academy have been causing some Directors, bringing with them a wealth
from 9.30am to 4.30pm every third Sunday to comment among local residents. They are a The CAM will serve Alconbury Weald of leadership experience across public For more information about the CAM,
help residents get back on their bikes. Sessions new initiative that Smart Journeys has been with a route which will also connect and private sector, including in major visit the website:
need to be booked in advance by emailing developing with the school. They are designed Huntingdon and St Ives with Cambridge. infrastructure projects. www.cam-metro.co.uk
info@smartjourneys.co.uk to encourage people to slow down as they drive
past the school and to use the Park&Stride for
dropping off/collecting, rather than parking
along Swynford Road. The move comes ahead
of planned yellow lines, which if approved by the
County Council, will be installed in Spring 2021.
Polly from Smart Journeys said: “We’ve been
doing a survey to make sure there are enough
spaces in the Park&Stride and will continue to
work with the school and residents to encourage
more families to walk, cycle and scoot to school.
For those who have to drive, we want to make
sure they park considerately so everyone can
stay safe. We need to keep working together to
find the things that work best for Alconbury
Weald, so please do keep the feedback coming.”
If you want to find out more about the services
Alconbury Weald’s Sustainable Travel Plan
offers for residents, then please contact Polly
by emailing info@smartjourneys.co.uk or calling
01223 703280.22 New homes 23
Campbell Buchanan George
Campbell Buchanan George is the latest
housebuilder to come to Alconbury Weald.
The Huntingdonshire-based company is
preparing a planning application to bring forward
61 new homes between Civic Living and Morris
Homes. It is hoped the team will start building
during the Spring, with first residents settled in
by next Christmas.
Toby Markham, CEO of Campbell Buchanan
Since the first residents moved in to Alconbury Weald over four George, said: “We have been watching the
development at Alconbury Weald evolve and
years ago, over 470 homes are now occupied, and our community have been impressed by the delivery of exemplar
continues to pull together and thrive despite the challenges architectural design and the quality and maturity
of the infrastructure and public realm delivered
presented by the pandemic. by Urban&Civic in its master developer role.
Housebuilding has continued, with all contractors adapting “At Campbell Buchanan George the passion for
what we do is evidenced in the detail at every
working practices to meet new health and safety guidelines. level throughout the entire process. No stone is
We develop quality homes in prime locations
All housebuilders on site have also implemented measures at left unturned to create the best homes for our
customers, and to ensure their complete and are delighted to be delivering our
marketing suites and show homes to protect staff and customers satisfaction through our after-sales service. It’s
homes at Alconbury Weald.
in line with Government guidance on Covid-19 but would our relentless drive to achieve and maintain the
highest possible standards that define the CBG Toby Markham CEO, Campbell Buchanan George
recommend calling before you visit. team, our homes and the communities we create
and serve.”
Keep an eye out for details of the planning
Civic Living application and updates on the Alconbury Weald
website: www.alconbury-weald.co.uk/news
Urban&Civic, the master developer for
For more information about CBG, visit
Alconbury Weald, created a range of homes to
www.campbellbuchanan.com
offer something a bit different to other property
styles available across the development.
Civic Living properties, which offer flexible free-
flowing layouts in a range of 2 and 3 bedroom
Hopkins Homes Walking commute gives
houses and 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, have perfect work/life balance
Having delivered the gateway development
proved popular with first time buyers, professional for Alconbury Weald, Hopkins Homes’ second
couple and downsizers – with nearly half of the phase of homes is now well underway. Its Sarah Fever transformed her lifestyle since
properties now occupied. Alconbury Weald also has a special place in
Malcolm’s heart. Having retired at 65, he spent brand new, fully furnished show home and moving to Alconbury Weald, by getting a
Malcolm and Ann Rigby, are one such retired 49 years in the RAF serving as aircrew, operating marketing suite launched at the end of 2020 new job at MM Flowers (based at Alconbury
couple, who downsized to a two bedroom out of RAF Wyton in St Ives, Cambridgeshire. and new homes in the second phase are now Enterprise Campus) and dramatically reducing
apartment with a balcony to lose the headache During that time, he was temporarily transferred open for reservation. her daily commute.
of maintaining their four-bedroom family home in to RAF Alconbury, where he spent six months The properties available include spacious one Sarah used to work in London and commuted
St Ives and free up time and money to enjoy their whilst the runway at RAF Wyton was repaired. and two bedroom contemporary apartments as daily from Cambridgeshire. She explained: “The
retirement. well as two, three and four bedroom family old commute started to become really draining
Malcolm said: “I knew Alconbury as an American homes in an array of different designs and
airbase when I was based at RAF Wyton and as I was leaving at six in the morning and getting
styles. home at eight every evening. You don’t have
landed my plane on the runway here many times,
as well as being based here for six months. It is Monika Hanlon, Sales and Marketing Director enough time for yourself! Now, it takes me 15
funny how things happen. I have a passion for at Hopkins Homes, said: “We have seen a lot minutes to walk to work and I’m back at home
flying and so does my wife, so it’s nice that we’ve of interest and off-plan reservations since we by five thirty every day.”
found the perfect home on the former airfield launched the second phase, which consists of
I know so well!” exquisitely designed traditional homes all built
with the care and attention to detail that
Civic Living Homes pride themselves on practical Hopkins Homes is renowned for. We know this I love living so close to work. We are thinking
designs, with integrated bike and bin stores, a phase will complement the thriving community
layout that ensures the large windows and of the first phase. We look forward to helping about getting a dog as now would be a
balconies retain privacy and maximise natural people move into their new homes throughout perfect time. With all the lovely walks around
light and on plot parking to help unloading of the current restrictions.”
shopping. us, this is the ideal home for a dog owner.
For more information call 01480 435108, email
For more information, visit www.civicliving.co.uk alconbury@hopkinshomes.co.uk or visit
I don’t own a car so being able to walk
or call 01480 272422. www.hopkinshomes.co.uk everywhere is fantastic.24 New homes 25
Crest Nicholson Help to Buy
Crest Nicholson is developing a range of homes Help to Buy is a government scheme designed to
close to the cricket pitch, with residents help people who are struggling to save a deposit
ideally located to enjoy events and activities for their first home or move up the property
in the new Pavilion, which is set to open in the ladder if they have limited equity. There are
Morris Homes Spring. Around a quarter of the 192 homes several options available as part of the Help to
being built have been sold. Buy scheme, including the following:
The first parcel of Morris Homes is nearing ● ISA: savers looking to buy their first home can
completion and nearly two thirds of the Crest Nicholson is offering Home Reach, its first
ever part buy/part rent ownership option, at save money into an ISA and the Government
165 properties have been sold. will add to your savings by 25%. So, for every
Alconbury Weald. The scheme is available on
all apartments at Wellington House, with prices £200 you save, you’ll receive a government
Morris Homes’ designs at Alconbury Weald
starting at £90,000 for a 50% share of a one contribution of £50 up to £3,000.
include a collection of characterful homes that
fit into the area seamlessly. The red and buff bedroom apartment and £104,500 for a two ● Equity Loan: if you already have a 5% cash
coloured bricks complement the surrounding bedroom apartment. deposit, the Government could lend you up to
properties, whilst crafted detailing such as brick 20% of the cost of your newly built home. You
eaves and stone heads give the homes a Home Reach, in partnership with heylo, provides won’t be charged loan fees on the loan for the
sophisticated edge. the security of home ownership with a lower first five years of owning your home.
initial financial commitment, making it a more
A neighbourhood green with a parkland play affordable way onto the housing ladder. It allows ● Shared Ownership: if you can’t quite afford
area provides a central landscaped space for users to access all the benefits of owning a home, the mortgage on 100% of a home, Shared
residents to meet and enjoy at the heart of the from the ability to decorate and personalise their Ownership offers you the chance to buy a
Morris development. home, to the flexibility to sell and move at any share of your home (between 25% and 75% of
Redrow point. its value) and pay rent on the remaining share.
Later on, you could buy bigger shares.
Morris Homes still has three and four bedroom
homes available from £304,750. Buyers can purchase a share in a property, with
Redrow is bringing forward 200 homes in a the possibility to increase the share up to 100% Visit www.helptobuy.gov.uk for more information.
To find out more, call 01480 355286 or visit wide range of sizes and styles on a parcel of ownership over time. The remaining interest in
www.morrishomes.co.uk land on the other side of Swynford Road. So the property is owned by heylo, which acts as
Shared ownership at Alconbury Weald
far Redrow is nearly three quarters through the landlord on a 125-year lease.
the development and is now taking forward At Alconbury Weald, Cross Keys Homes (CKH) is
a second parcel in the next phase of homes Karen Coulson, Sales and Marketing Director at providing homes available both for rent and to
coming forward at Alconbury Weald. Crest Nicholson Eastern, commented: “The buy through shared ownership. CKH is dedicated
introduction of Home Reach at Alconbury Weald to providing high-quality, affordable homes and
One of their popular homes is the four-bedroom is already proving popular. It’s an ideal option for services as well as thriving communities across
Stratford. Featuring sleek and modern interiors, first time buyers that need an additional helping the local area.
perfectly paired with a contemporary open plan hand to get onto the property ladder, as you
kitchen and dining room, a separate lounge, don’t need to save up a hefty deposit – you can Joe Dawson, Senior Development Manager for
cloakroom and laundry room, the home perfectly buy with a deposit of as little as £4,500. We’d Urban&Civic, said: “Working with CKH as the main
fits the needs of families without compromising urge anyone who wants to find out more to get partner providing all of the affordable housing
on style and elegance. Designed for flexible in touch with our friendly sales executives at options, means that – if you fit the affordable
living, the Stratford includes two bedrooms, as Alconbury Weald.” housing criteria – whether you want a home with
well as two further rooms that could be used as Hopkins, Redrow, Morris, Civic Living, Crest or
bedrooms, a fitness studio or office space. Properties in The Wellington will be ready to any of the future housebuilders, you can work
move into Summer 2021. with them to secure your home at Alconbury
Suzanne Irons, Sales Director for Redrow Homes Weald. We continue to work with best in class
South Midlands, said: “Recently we’ve seen an For more information, visit www.crestnicholson.
partners to ensure there are real, accessible
increase in homebuyers looking for more outdoor com/alconburyweald and www.crestnicholson.
options for everyone who wants to make their
space and close proximity to the countryside, com/offers/home-reach or call 01480 809 514.
home here. This way you can live in the place
so we were thrilled to be able to release 50 new you want to live, in the type of house you want
homes last year that tick all of these boxes. to live in and at a price that works for you.”
“The homes all offer versatile layouts that allow To find out more about shared ownership with
for time spent together as a family, as well as CKH, join its mailing list or apply for a shared
additional bedrooms suitable for growing ownership home, visit www.crosskeyshomes.co.
families, or those looking for flexible bedroom uk/sharedownership
space that can serve as a home office, playroom,
games room or even a relaxing wellness space.” CKH also work with the Local Authority’s Home-
Link service, to allocate affordable rented
To find out more, please call 01480 802430 or properties within the development. The Lettings
visit: www.redrow.co.uk/developments/ Team ‘advertise’ the properties through the
alconbury-weald-huntingdon Home-Link system, for families to apply for.
Further information about housing options within
the local area are available from:
www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/housing/finding-
a-home/ and home-link.org.uk/choice/26 Education 27
Update from Ermine The Education Campus
Street Church Academy Morgan Sindall has been appointed as the contractor to design
and build the Education Campus at Alconbury Weald.
2020 saw many challenges caused by the The Education Campus will be developed over The project team have started informal
Coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions put a number of phases and will eventually include discussions with the Planning Authority
in place to help slow the spread of the virus. a Secondary School consisting of eight forms of responsible for determining the planning
We caught up with Ali Machin, Deputy Head entry (FE), a Sixth Form centre and a Special application. This includes both Cambridgeshire
of Ermine Street Church Academy (ESCA) to School provision; as well as ancillary features County Council and Huntingdonshire District
find out how they have been coping in these such as sports pitches, drop-off points and Council ahead of the planning application being
unprecedented times: appropriate cycle and vehicle parking. Land has submitted. A public exhibition is planned to
also been identified to allow a further expansion ensure that residents of Alconbury Weald can
January 2020 seems such a long time ago, but of the secondary school in the future should this input their views into the process.
saw us grow to five classes. The first lockdown be required.
came as a surprise for all, but our community all It is anticipated that the planning application
rose to the challenge. We ensured that school The Campus buildings will form an important will go in during the Summer, with work on site
remained open in support of families of key landmark, and sit adjacent to a civic square, starting by Winter. Timings for opening are still
workers. In addition, we ventured online for which will connect the schools to the wider in discussion with the Department for Education,
learning, which included creating our own YouTube community. but it is anticipated the Special School will open
channel. With both elements in place, we provided September 2023 and the Secondary School
education throughout the school closure period. Morgan Sindall, working on behalf of Cambridge- September 2023 or 2024.
shire County Council, is supported by both design
Our ‘Staycation’ education saw lots of learning We decided to begin with a whole school learning and technical teams to assist in the preparation
both at school and home; we are so fortunate to theme when we returned in September, which we of a planning application which is due to be
have wonderful learners and fantastic families. called ENDURANCE, and has never seemed more submitted in the Spring/Summer of 2021.
We were able to see a complete range of learning, apt. We based it around the achievements and
from reaching milestones like riding a bike and lives of four different people; Malala Yousafzai, Technical reports will be provided to assess and
sewing dresses, to taking up gardening and Nelson Mandela, Anne Frank and Ernest identify any impacts that may arise as a result of
growing food to eat. Within school, we made as Shackleton. They have inspired us to think of the construction. These technical considerations
much of the good weather as we possibly could, others, to write and to take on new challenges. will directly inform the design and layout of the
as well as enjoying our new Nature Area, which Some of the children have joined together to site.
was completed by some amazing community raise funds for a School in a Box – our way of
volunteers back in February. helping others.
Staycation and online learning continued as we As a school we continued to find ways to work
welcomed back ‘bubbles’ of Reception and Year 1 and celebrate together, including virtual
children in June, as well as maintaining provision Celebration Assemblies, and we made a few
for key worker families. Throughout this time, we Christmas surprises which you can see online:
kept a diary of some of the activities we took www.erminestreetca.org.uk
part in, which will make for an interesting account
when we look back on this period. We are so thankful to have a passionate and
committed staff, enthusiastic and determined
We were so very pleased to be able to welcome children, and families that have done their
back all children in September, as well as absolute best during these challenging times.
welcome a growing staff team too. We now have
eight classes and continue to work and learn
within ‘bubbles’; these have increased in size, but
the principles of keeping them separate remains
the same. We are so very fortunate to have a
building that supports this kind of teaching, and
has allowed us to provide for all children and
staff with the highest regard for safety. Not quite Friends of ESCA
school as we know it, but we found new ways
round getting together - with a strong focus on Don’t forget that you can support
wellbeing and a curriculum designed to motivate the Friends of ESCA, through taking
learners, the children settled so very well, part in the Glade online consultation
bringing the building back to life. at www.alconbury-weald.co.uk/news28 Education Prestley Wood Academy is named after 29
a heritage site within Alconbury Weald,
where the remains of a moat sitting within
an ancient woodland mark the site of an
ancient manor house.
We talked to the Diocese of Ely Special School: Prestley
Multi-Academy Trust and Spring Wood Academy
Common Academy Trust, who will
Spring Common Academy Trust, based in Prestley Wood will have a dedicated specialist
be working together to deliver the Huntingdon, has been selected to run the new learning environment for pupils with autism.
schools in the Education Campus. special school – Prestley Wood Academy – The Trust plans to create and train a new team
in Alconbury Weald’s Education Campus. This with support, coaching and mentoring from
school will serve children and young people experienced staff at Spring Common, many of
aged 3 to 19 and will include a centre for whom are specialist leaders in our region with
autism. It will also have a 19–25 specialist links to wider national expertise.
Secondary School: Alconbury Weald Church Academy centre for adults with profound and complex
learning difficulties including medical needs. Kim added: “The lack of specialist support for
The Diocese of Ely Multi-Academy Trust (DEMAT) is bringing its Its team is currently working hard to design autism in the local area has had a real impact
wealth of experience to the new 750-pupil Alconbury Weald the school to ensure it offers a wide range of on families and on schools that simply can’t
special needs, building upon the successful provide the environment, support or skills for
Church Academy. model at Spring Common Academy, with those with the most complex education needs.
inclusive education and ECO values. It has been heart breaking not to be able to
meet demand for placements, so this project
The Trust, which runs 39 primary schools across The Academy will also have a purpose-built will bring much needed capacity and choice. We
the East of England – including Ermine Street autism provision attached to the school as part are so excited at the opportunities that Prestley
Church Academy – will look to share its strong of an inclusive community special school. Wood opens up for us and we plan to create a
ethos and core values with the new school, really special place for some amazing young
creating a dynamic teaching space where pupils Prestley Wood Academy will be run as its own people, to help them be able to shine.”
are happy and eager to learn. school but will form part of the growing Spring
Common Academy Trust. It will be able to share The ECO values and landscape design will
The new build seeks to give primary pupils within the significant expertise of the Executive Head support the curriculum to provide a range of
the Trust’s family a continuation of their and central team, who have made the Huntingdon initiatives including residential and educational
education, and welcome pupils from other school a huge success – recognised through its visits, forest school learning, specialist art/
primary schools in the area. ‘outstanding’ rating in all categorises at its last creativity and sport and fitness.
Ofsted assessment in December 2018 and recent
Alconbury Weald Church Academy, which will autism accreditation renewal. Pupils will receive high quality vocational
cater for pupils aged 11 to 16, will include education and employability training as well
specialist facilities for art, science, physical Kim Taylor OBE, Executive Headteacher of Spring as skills to support them to live independently,
education and design technology, and will boast Common Academy Trust, said: “This is such an and it is hoped that older students will set up
a broad and balanced curriculum rooted in core exciting opportunity for us. Prestley Wood a café and shop, which the community can use,
academic subjects. Academy will provide a vital addition to the to develop their experiences and build links
special needs capacity and choice in the local with local residents. The building will also provide
DEMAT will bring clear leadership to the Academy, “We look to share our core values with the new area. We have a strong, inclusive vision to offer a specialist hydrotherapy pool, which it is hoped
and focus on curriculum content, the quality of academy, including strong subject knowledge building on the success at Spring Common can be opened up to the wider community.
teaching and celebrate the Academy’s role in the among teaching staff, and allowing teachers to Academy. It is the intention of the Local Authority
community. ‘keep close to the work’ through high-quality, to provide design opportunities to implement the
subject-specific professional development. best special needs practice.”
It will instil its core values of love, community,
respect, trust and ambition in the new academy “We are committed to providing a rounded
community while giving its pupils the highest education for our pupils, supplemented by
quality of education and sparking a love of wider a range of extra-curricular activities, while
learning. promoting an inclusive culture among pupils
and staff.” Working with the design and build team, we
The Trust is determined to further develop its
sustainable approaches to education, finances He added: “Children are at the heart of all we are all committed to creating an amazing
and the environment while remaining flexible to
the challenges faced at each of its individual
do, and our teaching staff are key to giving our
pupils the highest quality of education.
learning and caring environment for some
academies. really special children, many of whom have
“Alconbury Weald is an opportunity for the
Adrian Ball, Chief Executive of DEMAT, said: “Our Trust to enable more children to realise their difficult challenges to cope with, and also to
aim is to bring together the Trust’s educational ambitions. The academy will provide them with support their families.
vision, the building’s state-of-the-art facilities the tools, knowledge and skillset to excel in their
and our strong local partnerships to create a chosen path. Kim Taylor Executive Headteacher, Spring Common Academy Trust
high-quality learning environment for our pupils.
“This is an exciting time for the Trust, and we look
forward to bringing our experience and values to
Alconbury Weald Church Academy.”You can also read
