Key Phase 1 – moving Ground prepared for Latest from local Bringing you up-to- from planning to Alconbury Weald’s authority and date with the latest delivery first homes business partners community news

Alconbury Weald Newsletter | Autumn 2015 Issue 4 Welcome to the fourth edition of our community 04 Planning into delivery newsletter. We’ve been incredibly busy moving the 08 Key Phase 1: A new site forward from planning into delivery and hope you community find this a useful catch up on our progress to date 10 Key Phase 1: A natural and plans for the next few months. setting 12 Contractor focus: As well as details on the first key phase of ProDem development at Alconbury Weald, this edition of the 14 The Club 15 Campus news newsletter provides an update from some of our 16 Partner update Campus tenants (page 15) and our local authority 18 Providing the EDGE and business partners (page 16-17). 20 In the community 22 Urban&Civic update As ever, it has also been fantastic working with and 24 Meet the team being part of the local community: supporting and hosting local events and activities – some of which are featured on page 20-21. We hope you enjoy reading the newsletter and welcome any comments/suggestions for future editions. Very best wishes, Becca

Rebecca Britton Communications, Communities & Partnerships E: [email protected] T: +44 (0)1480 413 141 / M: +44 (0)7739 339 889 www.alconbury-weald.co.uk | www.urbanandcivic.com Follow us on Twitter: @beccaU&C This is an exciting time for the project as it moves from the planning stage to delivery of the first new homes and further businesses on site: Key Phase 1. Tim Leathes Project Director, Urban&Civic

Planning into delivery Autumn 2015 | 03 04 | Autumn 2015 Extensive work has been carried out to bring forward Part of this work includes Design Codes, developed the first phase of development at Alconbury Weald. in conjunction with the District Council’s planning So far £20m has been invested to clear the site, team, which provide a legally binding set of remediate the ground and prepare for the first new guidance for Urban&Civic, as well as all contractors homes and associated development. In addition, and housebuilders on site, to ensure the highest £5m of Government funding has supported the site levels of quality and consistency – of design, build, preparation for the first 70 acres of the Enterprise materials and finishes. The Code also sets standards Campus. for all aspects of the first phase of development, Specialist contractor Professional Demolition and including buildings, roads, footpaths/cycleways and Remediation (ProDem) and local firm J Breheny landscape. have carried out most of this work. Reserved matters for all new buildings on site, like ProDem used specialist equipment when breaking the school and new homes, need to be granted down hardened aircraft shelters and hardstanding permission by the local planning authority to help so that the concrete and steel removed could be bring forward a quality new community and recycled on site. Enterprise Campus at Alconbury Weald. J Breheny has reused 7,000 tonnes of crushed concrete produced by ProDem’s work to install 2,500m of kerbs, 50 gulleys, 90 manholes, 3,000m of plastic pipe and 350m of clay pipe. Alongside this preparation work, the team has been turning the outline planning permission granted in October 2014 into more detailed plans (submitted as reserved matters applications).

Autumn 2015 | 05 BESPOKE BUILDINGS UPTO 47,000 SQ M (500,000 SQ FT)

THE MID-TECH CAMPUS

C B ● HCV ENTRANCE

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Alconbury Weald is not just about building houses; it is about creating new communities. When establishing the location for the first new homes, we looked at the way settlements historically developed in the area and the facilities that should come forward in the first phase. They include: sports facilities; parks and open spaces; community facilities; access – a new secondary road; primary school; 1-2 retail units; and 80,000 sq m employment. Throughout Key Phase 1, we will be investing in: ● the expansion of local doctor’s surgery ● MAIN ENTRANCE ● local bus services ● new landscape, green space and tree planting ● pedestrian connections to the Great Fen through investment in local footpaths and bridleways ● new facilities for local sports clubs and residents ● the first community facility on site ● a temporary library/mobile library ● a Community Development Worker ● recording, securing and storing heritage assets on site for later display ● a new pedestrian and cycle access point to within the site ● the first Community Shop ● a Jobs Brokerage Scheme to help ensure that new jobs created on site go to local people. In addition, work to plan and agree the traffic calming and environmental enhancements for have already started in partnership discussions between Urban&Civic, DIstrict Council and Parish Council.

0006 | AutumnSummer 2015 2013 A THE INCUBATOR B THE CLUB (DUE FOR COMPLETION WINTER 2015) C WWII WATCHTOWER/WATCH TOWER GREEN D CRICKET PITCH E PRIMARY SCHOOL (OPENING SEPTEMBER 2016)

THE MID-TECH CAMPUS

VILLAGE FIRST PHASE COMPLETE SUMMER 2016

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Summer Autumn 20132015 | 0007 A new community New Homes

Site preparation, including infrastructure work, has started on Alconbury Weald’s first residential community. Urban&Civic has entered into a joint venture partnership with Hopkins Homes, an independent house builder working across East Anglia, to build the first 128 of the 897 homes within Phase 1. The high quality properties – ranging from two to five bedrooms – will provide a mix of sizes and styles that comply with the site’s Design Codes. These will be developed alongside retail, community space, sports and play provision, as well as the new primary school, to create a sustainable community that benefits new residents as well as the existing local community. Tim Leathes, Development Director for Urban&Civic, said: “This is good progress and keeps our delivery on track for the first homes at Alconbury Weald. Most importantly, in Hopkins Homes, we have found a partner who shares our commitment to high quality design. “I am also pleased that we have been able to work with a local housebuilder, who has a long term commitment to quality housing in the area and who is committed to supporting our jobs and skills targets through the construction process.” Hopkins Homes plays a key part in the supply chain and creates, supports and sustains many hundreds of jobs locally and regionally, both directly and indirectly, through its construction work. Simon Bryan, Development Director at Hopkins Homes, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by Urban&Civic to build the first new houses at Alconbury Weald. The first phase will establish the gateway into the wider development. “All Hopkins Homes developments are founded on a commitment to excellent design and quality that reflects the tradition and character of each community.” The new entrance, off Ermine Street, was opened up in August but will not be in use until construction is completed in Summer 2016.

08 | Autumn 2015 A new community Primary School

Throughout the planning process for a love of learning, achieve well and are The new primary school Alconbury Weald, all partners agreed encouraged to become successful that a primary school being on site early learners and responsible citizens. is going to be an amazing would be a real benefit to new residents “The school will act as a community place: great design, and the surrounding area. resource and the Diocese has already stunning setting, and an Following a rigorous selection process started talking to Urban&Civic about of four potential sponsors, the working with partners to promote integral part of the new administration of the new primary community cohesion and development. community. We are so school was awarded to the Diocese of “We believe that engaging with parents, Ely Multi Academy Trust. The Trust was pleased it will be opening carers and the wider community is vital particularly praised for its: to supporting the successful opening in September 2016, in ● leadership and governance of the school and we will hold regular time for the first children ● knowledge, experience and expertise consultation meetings with all partners to deliver and maintain high quality as the project progresses.” on site, but also at the teaching and learning The new primary school will have three heart of the whole new ● understanding and commitment to wings, located within extensive external supporting schools and partnership community. play space, which converge to create working in the locality a double-height school hall that will be Nigel Hugill ● detailed curriculum delivery plan accessible to the wider community out ● effective systems and processes to Chairman, Urban&Civic of school hours. monitor pupil progress and provide support to improve attainment in the The new primary school will be built in core subjects two phases. The first phase will provide ● robust mechanisms to deliver 420 places (with two forms for each improvements within a school. year) and 52 early years and childcare places. The core facilities such as the Tricia Pritchard, Director of Education hall will be designed and built large for the Diocese of Ely said: “We are enough to provide sufficient space for delighted to have been chosen to a three form entry school. sponsor a new inter-church primary school for Alconbury Weald. The school Work started on site in August and the will be designed around creating a first phase will be completed and open stimulating and supportive learning in time for the new school year in environment in which all pupils develop September 2016.

Autumn 2015 | 09 A natural setting

Key Phase 1 landscape and public realm works to support the delivery of the first new homes and primary school at Alconbury Weald have started.

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1 EASTERN WOODLAND 2 LINEAR PARK 3 PONDS AND CAUSEWAY 4 GREEN CURTAIN 5 SCHOOL PLAZA 6 LINEAR PARK 7 HANGAR PARK

Tree relocation Urban&Civic’s commitment to recycle Bradley Murphy Designs (BMD) have or reuse as much material at Alconbury worked closely with specialists to Weald as possible extends to the develop methods to relocate the trees existing trees. The masterplanning of to fit within the masterplan, saving the the site considered how best to retain trees and adding instant maturity to and work with existing heritage and new areas of housing. ecological assets, including any The works included bringing the largest established healthy woodland areas. tree spade in Europe to Alconbury However, in some cases, trees that had Weald during the winter months to been planted to screen hangars and move the trees as part of the Key Phase other airbase facilities could not be One preparation works. It is anticipated made to work with the emerging that this programme will continue as the residential design. Rather than losing development progresses. these trees, landscape architects

10 | Autumn 2015 A natural setting

1—Eastern Boundary Woodland 6—Linear Park A green corridor, providing an important ecological The first part of the linear parks will run up to the habitat, will run along the eastern boundary of the Hub at the centre of Alconbury Weald. This park site to provide: maintains both a historic taxiway and viewpoint ● a landscaped buffer between Alconbury Weald from the old airfield layout. and the USAF base A combined foot/cycle path will provide a safe ● a network of ponds to store and manage the route for children and parents going to school and dispersal of surface water run off from the site will provide access to the play spaces located (drainage/flood attenuation) throughout the park. Other features will include ● an extensive woodland/wetland area, which will an orchard style woodland plantation as well as attract local flora and fauna. open space for games and informal activity areas 2—Ermine Street Linear Park for the whole community to enjoy. Advanced woodland tree and shrub planting has 7—Hangar Park taken place over the last few years with the support A managed area of grassland and tree planting of the local community and this will be extended with the retained hangars will provide a temporary over the coming years to create a buffer along the parkland for informal recreation and events. More frontage with Ermine Street. It will form part of the formal and permanent solutions will be delivered at network of foot/cycle paths that will provide a future date. off-road links throughout the site. 3—Ponds and Causeway Indicative CGI image of School Plaza The village ponds and causeway will form the focal point at the entrance from Ermine Street and are an integral part of the design of the village. The ponds will feature waterside decks, seating, fenland style wetland planting and will form part of the site-wide drainage/flood attenuation network. 4—Green Curtain A swathe of woodland planting and interconnected open spaces will define the northern boundary of the village. It will incorporate footpaths to the ‘woodland play glades’ and other future neighbourhoods within Alconbury Weald. 5—School Plaza The area in front of the school will provide a formal, flexible open space for the primary school and the local community. Bespoke hard landscape, street furniture and formal planting will help shape the distinctive character of the space and will provide smaller areas for people to meet, relax and socialise.

Autumn 2015 | 11 Contractor focus

Professional Group companies Professional Mike Coleman of ProDem said: “This is a fantastic Remediation and Professional Demolition (ProDem) project to work on: lots of challenges in the nuclear- have been undertaking work to prepare the site proof buildings and one metre thick roadways, but for future development since September 2014. all in a day’s work when you have the right kit and This has included: the right people.” ● controlled removal and disposal of asbestos To dismantle the hangars, which were designed materials to deflect free fall bombs during the Cold War, ● controlled demolition and dismantling of ProDem used specialist attachments that can structures such as former aircraft shelters, ‘munch’ through steel reinforced concrete in excess military buildings and office facilities of half a metre thick. ● breaking out of former taxiways and runways to create green space or for development of A specialist guillotine breaker was used to smash housing or commercial buildings the runways and taxiways, which in places were ● enhancing soils to enable recycling and re-use nearly one metre thick. This meant it could break- on site to support grassland and wildlife out the hard surfaces at such a rate that the Phase ● earthworks to prepare the site for construction 1 school and housing area was prepared in 12 weeks, of the new homes and primary school despite the area being in excess of 10 hectares. ● crushing and recycling materials to generate Professional Group is a family managed company high quality aggregate, for use on site: massively and operates throughout the UK. It has signed up reducing/removing the need for new aggregate to Alconbury Weald’s job strategy and directly to be bought onto the site employs six local staff, who manage access to the ● landscaping of open space areas, bunds site and material/haulage control, a tractor driver and swales to produce green space and (fuelling plant, dust suppression), plant drivers, a wildlife habitat. site labourer and an office/project administrator. The works have been undertaken in such a manner It also employs the services of local contractors as to ensure that in excess of 98% of all materials to assist with the removal and recycling of waste generated on site have been recycled. This materials generated by the demolition and includes items such as timber (used as biofuel in remediation works and its staff has been sustainable energy generation), metals (recycled supporting local services such as shops and hotels. and re-used in activities such as construction) and aggregates (used in road construction).

12 | Autumn 2015 ProDem has managed to realise our sustainability aspirations by reusing or recycling nearly all the materials from the site clearance. Its team has worked diligently to ensure we are on track for the next stage of development. Tim Leathes Project Director, Urban&Civic

ProDem was the first company to directly employ a local man from the on-site jobs brokerage service, taking on Joseph Key facts & figures McClusky (above) ● 100% of aggregates have been re-used ● treated approximately 6,000 tonnes of soils contaminated with aviation fuel so it could be re-used/recycling on site ● recycled approximately 3,000 tonnes of timber and plastic.

Autumn 2015 | 13 Work is underway on the new Club building at Alconbury Enterprise Campus, which will provide a café, gym, meeting rooms and event space for businesses on site and in the wider area. The stylish, purpose-built Designed by AHMM, the architects who created Club is going to be a valued the award-winning Incubator, the Club will sit addition to the Campus, further along the tree-lined boulevard. It forms supporting our growing the start of the next phase of development, which community of businesses will see a Mid-Tech cluster developing around the historic setting of the listed Second World War and providing well-located Watch Tower. event space for the wider Continuing its commitment to maximise the jobs business community. and skills opportunities locally from the Gary Ridgewell development of Alconbury Weald, Urban&Civic Project Director of Alconbury Weald appointed RG Carter, a local family-run construction company with offices throughout the East Anglia, to carry out the work. Miles Foden, Senior Project Manager of RG Carter said: “This is an exciting project for us: high quality design on a high profile project. We’re enjoying working with the project team to deliver an outstanding facility for the Campus and local community.” Construction started on 1 June 2015 and the building is due for completion by the end of the year.

Indicative CGI image of The Club

14 | Autumn 2015 First Campus tenant trials new recycling process

University of Cambridge R&D spin-out Enval has developed a pioneering process to separate aluminium from plastic laminate waste material. Enval’s technology could provide the recycling solution for flexible laminate packaging, such as food and drink pouches, pet food pouches and toothpaste tubes, which currently still go to landfill. As part of a nine month trial funded by Defra, Enval’s team will recycle the material from 260 households at its commercial Award-winning demonstration facility at the Alconbury Enterprise Zone. Dr Carlos Ludlow-Palafox, Managing Director of Enval, said: “These trials are providing an important opportunity to prove green energy that we can successfully capture and recycle the valuable aluminium, as well as recover the plastics as a fuel oil product. This will present a solid business case for Enval’s microwave company joins induced pyrolysis technology, which can be bolted on to existing facilities and help increase levels of recycling across Campus the UK.” Life cycle analysis shows that the aluminium obtained via this process has a carbon footprint 72% lower than that of primary aluminium. The Campus has become home to award-winning The project is being conducted in partnership with Anthesis green energy company bio-bean, which has LRS, SUEZ environnement, Nestlé UK & Ireland, Coca-Cola industrialised the process of recycling waste Enterprises. coffee grounds into advanced biofuels. www.enval.com bio-bean is developing a demonstration centre and processing factory in one of the existing buildings on the Campus. The new centre will initially employ five members of staff and process around 130 tonnes of coffee waste per day into biomass pellets. Arthur Kay, Co-founder and Chief Executive of bio-bean, said: “This is a hugely exciting time for the company, and we’re grateful for the support we’ve had from the Alconbury team to get the planning application ready. We’re passionate about the difference this technology and process can make not just in removing coffee waste from landfill but making a real benefit from it in providing locally-produced, carbon neutral and cost effective source of fuel. “To be able to do that in a recycled building at the heart of the growing R&D community at Alconbury Campus is a phenomenal chance for us to scale up production.” www.bio-bean.com

Autumn 2015 | 15 The LEP The Greater Cambridge Greater Enterprise Partnership (LEP) helps to drive forward sustainable economic growth in our area – with local Partner update business, education providers, the third sector and the public sector working together to achieve this. Urban&Civic continues to work closely Neil Darwin, Chief Executive from LEP said: “During our last financial year we took significant strides with local authority and business group forward to support economic growth in our area. We partners to ensure that Alconbury Weald have secured funding for specialist training centres, launched The Skills Service, helped local businesses delivers the best possible opportunities secure funding and invested in regional to support local businesses and attract infrastructure projects. inward investment to the area. “Through The Skills Service and specialist training centres for construction, highways development and food processing industries, we are tackling the key issues that local businesses have identified as barriers to growth – skills, infrastructure and funding. “We also continue to support the on-going development of the Enterprise Zone at Alconbury Enterprise Campus and are working closely with the Urban&Civic team to deliver the next phase: a new Technical and Vocational Centre, which will focus on the built environment and engineering technical expertise to support the development of the Enterprise Campus and sites across the whole We are looking forward to an LEP area. “We are looking forward to an exciting year ahead and exciting year ahead and anticipate anticipate even greater things for our area.” even greater things for our area. A copy of the LEP’s Annual Report 2014/15 can be viewed at: http://issuu.com/gcgp/docs/gcgp_lep_ Neil Darwin annual_review_2014-15 Chief Executive, the LEP www.gcgp.co.uk

Neil Darwin (left) and Adrian Cannard

16 | Autumn 2015 Huntingdonshire District Council Chambers of Commerce Huntingdonshire District Council has a dedicated Chambers of Commerce is a Economic Development team offering a dynamic and independent business network that comprehensive package of business support sits at the heart of the local business community, activities designed to achieve a dynamic and providing practical advice and supporting growth sustainable local economy. From coordinating and development. It also provides it members with funding advice, to promoting business-led events opportunities to widen their network of business and addressing recruitment and skills needs, the contacts. Council’s objective is to facilitate an environment John Bridge OBE DL, Chief Executive of where businesses, however large or small, can Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said: prosper. “We know from our own research that companies Sue Bedlow from Huntingdonshire District Council both within Cambridgeshire and across our region said: “Huntingdonshire District Council has an are eager to invest, and for many that entails ambitious vision and strategy in place for ensuring generating new market propositions and building that the district is one of the best places in the connections that so often lead to new business to live, work and invest by 2023. Successful delivery opportunities. of the Alconbury Enterprise Campus is a central “We have two business exhibitions in the autumn part of our plans. that will showcase the vibrancy of the “In addition to numerous district wide activities, Cambridgeshire economy and bring together the Council is working in close partnership with businesses from all sectors for a day of networking Urban&Civic to promote the Alconbury Enterprise and inspirational guest speakers. Campus to target sector companies that will bring “We also hold regular sector-specific forums such high value and diverse employment opportunities, as the Huntingdonshire Construction and Property which will help ensure the future resilience of the Network hosted at Alconbury Weald, which meets local economy. every couple of months to bring together all “We are also allocating significant resource to professions associated with the development and partnership projects such as EDGE (see pages 16-17) construction industries in the county and region. to ensure that the recruitment and skills needs of “It is a great privilege for the Chamber to take the existing and future companies are efficiently met.” lead on organising events that bring businesses The Council’s Economic Development team has a together so successfully, and we are thankful to all regular presence on the Campus at the Incubator our partners for their support.” building. For an appointment to discuss its services Details of all the Chambers’ networking events can or how they might support your businesses growth, be found at www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk please call 01480 388443 or email economic. [email protected] Autumn 2015 | 17 Recent research has highlighted a Barriers to economic growth number of barriers to economic growth ● Poor work-readiness and attitudes in the catchment area of Alconbury ● Requirement for a flexible and adaptable Enterprise Campus that can be workforce addressed through smarter working ● Building effective links with schools and between local partners and a real focus colleges – to reflect current and future needs ● Need for management and leadership training on relevant training and development ● Availability of key, specialist skills for local people. ● Higher wages attracting the most qualified people to Cambridge and London. Launched this summer, ‘EDGE Sharper Skills for Enterprise’ seeks to directly address the skills and Business Survey, June 2014 training needs of local industry by joining up a lot of the help on offer to businesses into a one stop shop, upskilling local people to meet their needs and preparing the next generation of workers entering the job market. Working with businesses, training providers, jobseekers and schools, EDGE is working to improve the transition between education and industry, address the core skills gaps identified, improve employer engagement in skills development and ensure training provided locally remains relevant and effective.

18 | Autumn 2015 EDGE offers a range of services direct to Rebecca Britton, Head of Partnerships and businesses and people including: Communities at Urban&Civic, said: “We always ● Apprenticeship matching service wanted Alconbury Weald to have a jobs hub to ● Work experience scheduling – for schools support companies locating into the area to recruit and colleges locally; benefiting the company, local communities ● Work placements – through the Jobcentre and the local economy. By working with partners ● Job brokerage/matching service and EDGE, we have managed to expand the ● Economic development business support services on offer to make a real one stop shop for ● Careers advice and guidance (for all ages) businesses and people; enabling us to extend ● Helping businesses and schools work together the opportunities across the district.” ● Skills event organisation. EDGE is located in Huntingdon town centre, EDGE is also working with Alconbury Campus St Benedict’s Court, the doors opened in June and tenants ANAtech – who support skilled technicians an official launch is planned for November 2015. from the Armed Services into work. For further information: call 01480 435654 or go EDGE Sharper Skills for Enterprise is a partnership to www.sharperskills.co.uk initiative between the private and public sector, led by Alconbury Enterprise Campus Skills Group. The partnership has been designed to promote and deliver industry-led training and development to support the future economic growth of Huntingdonshire.

Autumn 2015 | 19 In the community

Groundwork growing communities

Groundwork Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, the community charity with a green heart, is flourishing at Alconbury Weald; its team of three (supported by its main office in Hatfield) have moved into unit 141. The team is often out and about, delivering various projects that benefit local communities. One of these is the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) Community Champions. Groundwork Project Manager, Rachel Kelly is co-ordinating the team of volunteers who promote fire safety by visiting local groups and encouraging residents to carry out regular fire safety checks in their homes. Keep your eyes peeled for the volunteers and their fantastic fire safety freebies. The Groundwork team are also supporting local schools by running a free consultation service (funded by the John Laing Charitable Trust) to help schools work out how to make the most of their grounds. And that’s not all! Groundwork has more projects in the pipeline. Stay tuned for more news on how they can help you and others in the community – particularly Thousands of cyclists with skills and experience to boost employability. pedal through site For more information, email Groundwork’s Project Manager The inaugural Cambridgeshire Gran The Tour de France being in the county [email protected], Fondo in June was a resounding success last year seemed to have inspired a Environmental Education Office with over 5,000 cyclists taking to the party atmosphere with deckchairs and [email protected] roads of Cambridgeshire. barbeques lining the route. or follow the team on Twitter @GroundworkC&P The event was organised like the Tom Caldwell, event organiser from London marathon, with those in front Vericool Sports Management, said: “It competing to win while the rest of the was a fantastic day. We are very grateful field were out to test themselves or just to Urban&Civic for their support. The enjoy the chance to ride roads specially cyclists really enjoyed riding through closed for the event with friends. Alconbury Weald and were very happy to reach the first of three feeding points Thousands of spectators cheered from on the route after 28 miles in the saddle.” the roadside as riders of all ages, abilities and nationalities cycled the 83 miles route that started at the Showground in Peterborough and went through the Alconbury Weald site.

20 | Autumn 2015 Window repairs at Church In the community Urban&Civic was able to help out in the Stukeleys by funding the repair to one of the stained glass windows at Great Stukeley Church, which was damaged by vandalism.

Record numbers take on Hunts 10k run

The sixth annual Hunts 10k run in June was a huge success with over 850 people testing their fitness and raising money for charity. The event was well attended and the Alconbury Weald Spectator Village sponsored by Urban&Civic proved a hit with a variety of stalls and activities to provide runners, their families and friends with entertainment before, during and after the races. Paul Ryan from the Hunts 10k Charitable Trust said: “It was a really good day. Allotments get We are a registered charity and raise money for local charities, but we are also water after six here to promote healthy activity in the area.” The event raised even more than last year, with all £13,000 going to this year’s years of drought charities to help their work with local residents: Team Bex (the Cancer Centre); Marie Curie; Suffolk and Cambridgeshire SERV; GMC Rovers (Girls Team); RNIB; After 2,000 days, Alconbury Allotments Ormiston Trust; Home-Start Cambridgeshire; Huntingdonshire Society for the finally has a reliable water supply thanks Blind; and Riding for the Disabled. to support from local companies. Until now local residents have either collected rainwater or transported every drop by wheelbarrow from home. Previous attempts to get water have included solar pumps and two 10m wells. Both schemes yielded just a dribble. The Association now has a mains water supply largely due to the great generosity of three local companies. Urban&Civic and J Breheny worked together to dig the 300m trench, while Huntingdon company GPS Ltd provided the pipe-work. Alconbury Allotments are very popular with local residents of all ages. The 50 plots provide fruit and vegetables for over 20% of village residents. Allotment holders are delighted with their new water supply. Nigel Murphy a plot holder commented: “This is excellent, I am a very happy bunny!”

Autumn 2015 | 21 We have a fantastic team of enthusiastic and dedicated professionals to help deliver inspiring, sustainable developments that will create new communities and attract inward investment. Nigel Hugill Chairman, Urban&Civic

22 | Autumn 2015 Urban&Civic update

Urban&Civic has expanded the team considerably and become involved in some exciting new projects.

←Waterbeach Barracks ↑Hotel cleared for take-off at Stansted Airport After a seven month selection process, Urban&Civic Plans for a stylish hotel with direct access to the was chosen by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in terminal at London Stansted Airport have been September last year to promote a new residential cleared for take-off by Uttlesford District Council. settlement on the site of the former RAF and Urban&Civic has secured planning permission for Army barracks at Waterbeach on the outskirts of the hotel, which will have up to 360 rooms, on land Cambridge. adjacent to the terminal building on Bassingbourn The location and nature of the 716 acre site are Road. uniquely strong: rich lakeside settings, steeped The announcement comes as Manchester Airports in history, three miles from the world renowned Group (MAG) – the owners of London Stansted science and technology parks and within easy Airport – continues its £260m investment plan to cycling of the existing Waterbeach rail station, attract more passengers, airlines and long-haul the Milton Park and Ride and of the city itself. services. London Stansted Airport is the fastest The current expectation is that an outline planning growing airport in the UK and 4th largest overall application, in similar form to those recently secured by passenger numbers. by Urban&Civic at Alconbury and Rugby, will be The airport currently attracts 20m passengers per submitted by the end of 2016. annum, with over 170 destinations – including the ↓Newark largest number of European connections in the UK. An urban extension with approximately 2,600 new The Airport is a key asset within the local economy homes, associated infrastructure and high quality and is the main gateway to Europe for business public realm in Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire. trips and holidays for residents across the East Anglia. Robin Butler, Managing Director of Urban&Civic, said: “We continue to invest in the growth potential of the London-Stansted-Cambridgeshire corridor, and this hotel will be a key asset. Good design in the right location is a touchstone for Urban&Civic and we look forward to delivering that in this hotel.”

Autumn 2015 | 23 Meet the team Feedback Ask us a question: Two new members joined the team earlier If you have any questions you want us this year and they can regularly be found at to answer, please drop us a line. the Incubator. Get in touch: Rebecca Britton Gary Ridgewell joined the Alconbury T: 01480 277 203 Weald team in February 2015 as Senior E: [email protected] Project Manager and is responsible for Rebecca Britton managing the day-to-day delivery of Urban&Civic plc, The Incubator the scheme: Alconbury Enterprise Campus “I’ve really enjoyed my first eight months Alconbury Weald, Huntingdon with Urban&Civic. It’s a great team and Cambridgeshire PE28 4WX there’s never a dull moment with so much happening on site. Since I started the initial infrastructure works is nearing completion and preparations for the first new homes and primary school are well underway. Contact “As Urban&Civic is the owner and operator For more information about Paul Cutler joined Urban&Civic in of the site, it’s essential that we find business space on Alconbury January 2015 as Development Manager the right contractors to work with and Enterprise Campus please contact: for Alconbury Weald and Waterbeach, oversee the development so that all Andrew Brading, Property & Estate with a primary focus on design: planning conditions and commitments made to the local community are met. Manager “What attracted me to the Alconbury T: 01480 277 202 Weald project was the vision Urban&Civic “The next 12 months are going to be E: [email protected] has dedicated to the site and the quality really exciting as development starts For more information about the required to achieve it. to come out of the ground at Alconbury and the new office is established at development, Urban&Civic or the “This vision sits above our competitors Waterbeach.” local projects we are involved in and is evident with the iconic Incubator please contact: building and the new infrastructure Gary will be overseeing the work on site Rebecca Britton, Communications, leading to it. and bringing on board new contractors as Communities and Partnerships the development progresses; ensuring T: 01480 277 203 “The immediate future of Alconbury the highest quality development for the E: [email protected] Weald is very exciting; consultant best value. designs will soon become physical Follow us on Twitter @beccaUandC buildings stitched together by new He previously held the position of streets and landscaping; all of which Construction Director at the regional continue the high demands for quality. housing developer Weston Homes and has held senior management positions “It is a great opportunity to be part of a at Countryside Properties and Hill committed team focused on creating Partnerships. and delivering a wonderful place to live Contribute and work.” With over 15 years’ experience in the residential sector, Gary has been If you have a news story or event Paul practiced as a multi-disciplinary involved in the RIBA Sterling award- you want to publicise through the architect in the US for ten years before winning Accordia Living and strategic pages of this newsletter or our returning to the UK in 2008 to work with developments such as the Great website, please send details to: Lend Lease as a Development Project Kneighton estate in Cambridgeshire. Rebecca Britton Manager on the Athletes Village in [email protected] Stratford. There he worked on numerous legacy-building types including an all-age academy, health centre and residential plots. Post-Games, Paul was the lead for the masterplan and commercial building Next issue designs of The International Quarter in Stratford. ● Focus on Fusion ● Welcome to the Club ● Inside the first homes ● Meet our Incubator tenants

24 | Autumn 2015 Printed on 100% recycled paper