Next steps for Alconbury Weald - The Gym at The Club: helping transform lifestyles Civic Living showcases new homes
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The Gym at The Civic Living Restoring the listed Next consultation
Club: helping showcases new World War II Watch events at Alconbury
transform lifestyles homes Office building Weald
Alconbury Weald Newsletter | Spring 2019
Next steps for Alconbury Weald
Alconbury Weald
prepares for its next
Hello and welcome to our latest newsletter, which provides an
update on the latest developments at Alconbury Weald.
stage of development
It’s been five years since we began to transform the former airfield
site and, towards the end of last year, we met with local residents
Secondary School at heart of new application
from Alconbury Weald and the surrounding communities to Alconbury Weald is preparing for its next stage The plans include a significant amount of
showcase our successes and look ahead to next steps for of development, with an application that remediation around the runway and taxiways
Alconbury Weald, proposals for a new Country Park for the provides the framework to deliver a secondary along the central area of the site, which will start
Stukeleys and local area, and the potential for additional new and special needs school, the next 1,000 homes, the transformation and the first phases of the
shops and employment space as well as parks future Runway Park. When fully developed
homes. Thanks for everyone who came along to feed into the and open spaces. The additional development Runway Park will be a central feature at the heart
developing plans and help us better understand local concerns proposed sits to the east of the existing first of the development’s central Hub and will be over
and aspirations for Alconbury Weald and the surrounding area. phase of homes and covers land up to the 24 football pitches long. This first section will bring
Details of the next consultation events, at the end of April, are set central part of the historic Cold War runway. forward Approach Park, which will provide a
9,000 sq m area of green space as the setting for
out later in the newsletter. The submission follows on from consultation
shops and amenities, and provide safe walking,
02 Next stage of events in December (see page 6) and partnership
cycling and scooting routes to the secondary
Our latest project is the restoration of the listed World War II Watch
development working with local authorities and key partners
school. Alongside the Park, a Campus Square in
Office building, which will be used as a community space with a around the next phase of facilities coming
04 Around Alconbury Weald forward, including the innovative Education
front of the school will provide a meeting space
temporary library and heritage displays to ensure the building
06 Alconbury Weald: Campus.
and high quality setting for the significant
provides a focus of World War II remembrance and pays tribute to Education Campus.
next steps The planning application will enable the
its important historic role.
10 The Café and Gym secondary school, run by the Diocese of Ely
The broad design approach of this next phase
will be in keeping with delivery to date, with an
11 New homes We now have more than 200 householders as part of our thriving Multi Academy Trust – Alconbury Weald Church
updated Design Code included in the planning
14 Campus news Alconbury Weald community, and more joining every week. Academy – and the Special Needs School
application. Delivery of the area will also include
Prestley Wood Academy, which will be part of the
16 Skills and learning In September, Ermine Street Church Academy (ESCA) started its Spring Common Academy Trust, to come forward.
laying over four miles of utilities and water
18 Watch Office third school year with eight times as many children as when it These are currently scheduled for opening in
infrastructure.
refurbishment opened back in 2016 and the Spring term started with the September 2022.
20 Community news formation of an extra class – Liberator. The application will also connect the existing road, Further information can be found in the planning
24 Urban&Civic news More people mean more events and we had a special Christmas
cycle and pedestrian network to the proposed application on Huntingdon District Council’s
link road coming forward from the A141 to the planning portal – ref:19/80094/COND. https://
this year with a giant Advent Calendar and first Midnight Mass. south of Alconbury Weald. The applications for www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/planning/view-
In this edition we talk about some of the Easter events we have this link are currently progressing through the existing-planning-applications/
coming up. Alongside that, opening up the Café on specified planning system.
evenings and on Saturdays has proved a great success.
There are lots of ways to get involved with your local community
at Alconbury Weald and some suggestions are included in this
newsletter – including with brownies and guides and governor
opportunities at ESCA.
The Campus is also thriving, with existing tenants expanding, new
tenants moving in and iMET opening its doors to its first cohort of
composite technician apprentices. We’re also helping to support
the major national constructions skills drive and will be opening
a new training hub at Alconbury Weald in the coming months.
If you would like to find out more about Alconbury Weald or take
a tour, please get in touch.
With very best wishes
Becca
Rebecca Britton Communications, Communities & Partnerships
E: rbritton@urbanandcivic.com | T: +44 (0)1480 413 141 / M: +44 (0)7739 339 889
alconbury-weald.co.uk | urbanandcivic.com
Follow us on Twitter: @beccaU&C @AlconburyWHomes @AlconburyCampus
Spring 2019 | 03
Around It is now some five
years since we began
So far, Alconbury Weald has delivered:
● over 200 families moved in
Alconbury
● over 600 homes consented and being built out
● a primary school with over 100 children
the transformation of ● community spaces for events and activities
Weald
● three play areas and the Community Park
the former airfield. ● nearly 1 million sq ft of commercial space
developed, with 16 new companies on site
9
● iMET skills centre running high level
apprenticeship courses
● Club building with a cafe, gym and events
space
● community store and a range of pop-up
events and activities
In 2013, the first investment was made to replace
● green corridors and woodland glades, along
the old entrance with a new gateway and service
8 with green space in the parks, Cricket Park
access. As part of this, we worked closely with the
and Memorial Green.
local community to plant new trees along the
boundary to the site as part of our commitment to The next stage of development will enable the
introduce half a million trees to Alconbury Weald. team to bring forward:
Since then, work has moved on apace to make ● 1,021 new homes
7 our ambitious plans a reality. Building new homes ● Education Campus
alongside creating jobs, facilities and open space ● 1-2 retail units
in a balanced, sustainable way has always been ● Employment space
our priority; developing a new community at ● Landscaping and tree planting
Alconbury Weald from day one. ● Parks and open spaces.
5 6
10
4
3
11
2
1
1 The Boulevard 12
2 Incubator 2
3 The Incubator 20 21
4 The Club
Café, Gym and Events Hall
5 iMET
6 County Council HQ 15
Awaiting planning submission
7 John Adams Leisure
8 MMUK
18
9 IKO
10 Watch Office 13 19
Refurbishment to Community 17
Room and Groundwork East HQ
11 Cricket pitch 14
16
Playable from Summer 2019
12 Civic Living Marketing Suite
13 Morris Homes Marketing Suite
14 Hopkins Homes Marketing Suite
15 Redrow Marketing Suite
16 Ermine Street Church Academy
17 Jemima House Day Nursery
18 Swynford Stores
19 Community Park
20 Extension of Key Phase 1
Planning application just
submitted
21 Education Campus
Indicative area subject to detailed
design and planning
04 | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | 05
At the December consultation events, the design team shared
Next steps at
a range of options to help develop the plans, which included:
Alconbury Weald
A number of consultation events were held in December to
help evolve the next stage of Alconbury Weald. Alongside
consultation on the application, which has now been submitted
for the Education Campus and next 1,000 homes, we also asked
for feedback on the next stages of development, which include
delivery of the Country Park and the potential for additional
homes, as set out in the draft Local Plan for Huntingdonshire,
currently being finalised. Here are a few of the key highlights
from those events, and the next steps in taking these forward.
Diagram of the Green Infrastructure
Vision for Alconbury Weald.
Country Park Illustrative framework for the potential layout of the
Country Park, with potential residential development
shown to the east of the area.
With new transport connections coming through There was a range of positive feedback, with a
Grange Farm, Urban&Civic will bring forward broad consensus on using the expanse to ensure
development of the Country Park. The Park is areas of woodland, with more open grassland
part of four strategic green spaces within the areas for walking and leisure activity, and a hub
development and forms part of the pledges made of activity around a café and facilities, which
to the Stukeleys to protect the identity of the could enable events, forest school and people to
villages. It provides a green buffer between the engage with productive landscapes to maintain a
communities, with open space that provides farming link – with a focus on traditional orchards,
shared benefits to the local area. allotments and some woodland management
opportunities. There were also additional
The Park would extend to some 63 hectares
suggestions, including provision of a dog area
making it nearly as big as Hinchingbrooke Park.
for dogs to be off the lead in an enclosed space.
It will retain and enhance existing features such
as the woodland and Scheduled Ancient These options have been evolved into more
Monument of Prestley Wood alongside historic detailed plans, developed through a series of
ridge and furrow, which would become heritage workshops with the Parish Council, and will be
features of the Park. presented at the consultation events at the end
of April (see page 9).
The Park would therefore retain:
● Woodland: (Prestley Wood) 1.79 hectares
● Hedgerow: 3,400 linear metres
● Ridge and furrow: 6.93 hectares.
Alongside those features, the Park has the
potential to deliver:
● 22 hectares of new woodlands
● 31 hectares of meadow grasslands
● community sports facilities
● orchards
● allotments
● nearly 6,000 metres of footpaths.
06 | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | 07
Next steps at Transport update
Alconbury Weald The next few years will see considerable
investment in transport connections for the
Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro could
connect to Alconbury Weald
development, with a focus on putting in place a
A detailed report examining the feasibility of
strategic transport link through the centre of the
a metro system for Greater Cambridge, which
site, which will enable a road link to the A141 and
would include a connection to Alconbury Weald,
a prioritised bus route through the central spine
has been published.
of the community.
The report found that the scheme would unlock
Three applications have been submitted in recent
Additional homes
significant growth, offers high value for money
months, which bring forward the connection set
and would provide the transformational change
out in the Outline Consent for Alconbury Weald.
required to the area’s transport network. This
This includes:
would help fulfil the Combined Authority’s
The exhibitions also provided an opportunity to Alongside that, the announcement of a study into ● a roundabout entrance off the A141, with bus ambition of a ‘modal shift’ away from the private
garner early views on the proposals set out in the an outer ring road for Huntingdon means there and cycle prioritised connection. car, reducing congestion, emissions and accidents
Huntingdonshire Local Plan for 1,500 more homes may be an option for a realigned A141 that cuts
● a link road through Grange Farm that will as well as contribute to improving quality of life.
at Alconbury Weald. through Grange Farm, and the team is keen to
connect the A141 link to the land set aside for
ensure that any plans for this area come forward The Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro (CAM),
Different scenarios were shared including: the Railway Station.
in a considered, holistic and strategic way (see which would include tunnelling under Cambridge
● putting more homes within the existing planned boxes below). ● a temporary connection that enables the new city and two underground stations (one at the
area of development, spreading them across road to connect to the runway and taxiway. city centre and one at Cambridge Station), will be
the area of the site. Since the exhibitions, the team has had These will undergo works to ensure they are designed to integrate with existing transport
additional discussions with the Parish Council, fit for car, bus and cycle use, and provide a
● the area at the south end of the site, previously infrastructure, including the national rail network,
District Council, Historic England and others to connection ahead of the permanent transport
identified for a Further Education Campus bus services and cycling and walking routes.
develop plans, and these will be set out in the connections that will come forward at a later
(no longer needed locally), could convert to a next consultation events. The CAM would serve inner transport corridors
stage.
residential area. in the Greater Cambridge area from the city to
● a majority of the additional homes around the This route has also been developed to be able Cambourne, Granta Park, Waterbeach and
key transport infrastructure coming forward in to adapt to the current discussions around the Newmarket Road and Trumpington park and
Grange Farm, working with the Country Park proposed Cambridge Autonomous Metro system rides. It would also serve the regional area, with
and ensuring the green buffer is in place for which will provide an additional public transport corridors extending to St Neots, Alconbury,
the Stukeleys. link from Alconbury Weald to Cambridge. Mildenhall and Haverhill.
Those connections are working through the Construction could start as early as 2021 with
Potential scenarios planning process and – pending planning the City Deal-funded schemes, with the core
permission – will start to be implemented by the metro infrastructure anticipated to be built
end of 2019. between 2023 and 2029.
Feedback in December was positive about the
transport investments, but people wanted to For further information, visit www.
ensure they come forward alongside new homes cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk/news
and fit in with the strategic investments of the
A14 and the study on the A141. A range of mixed
views were expressed on the traffic calming and
environmental enhancements being implemented
along Ermine Street, and a range of measures
are now being explored with partners and the
Parish Council to look at speeding issues along
the road.
Scenario 1
Limited intensification of key locations
Scenario 2
Intensification and homes in land no
Scenario 3
Intensification, use of former education
Next steps
with some higher density homes. longer required for education. land and some development in Grange
Urban&Civic will be holding the next stage of An online consultation will also be available from
Farm alongside the Country Park.
● Maintaining overall character and ● Make use of the development area consultation on 24, 26 and 27 April to explain 24 April for two weeks until 8 May 2019.
sense of place. set aside for post-16 education. ● Properly connected to new road and updates to the plans since the December
The events will provide an opportunity to see how
● Focus at the Hub and Interchange. ● Properly connected to new road and public transport via the southern discussions, with an aim to submit planning
the plans have developed on the back of feedback
● Additional homes in the Enterprise public transport via the southern access. applications in the early Summer.
from December and further discussion with
Zone. access. ● Bringing forward the Country Park
The events will be: partners, and enable you to help shape the final
to ensure that commitments of
Up to 200 additional homes (approx). Up to 700 additional homes (approx). ● 4-8pm on Wednesday 24 April at plans before they are submitted to the District
separation are delivered and as a
Little Stukeley Village Hall Council. Formal consultation will then follow on
shared resource for new and existing
from this, led by the District Council.
residents. This would ensure ● 4-8pm on Friday 26 April at Great Stukeley
additional homes still feel connected Village Hall
to Alconbury Weald and have ● 10am-4pm on Saturday 27 April at The Club,
access to services and facilities. Alconbury Weald (buses will be available from
Up to 1,500 additional homes (approx). the surrounding villages).
08 | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | 09
The Café: new Alconbury Weald boasts a wide range
opening times of housing types and tenures to appeal
to a wide range of purchasers – whether
Following the success of the late-night Christmas café, starting out, looking for more family
The Café will be opening one evening a month for the
residential and business community to catch up and enjoy space or downsizing – there is
a sociable evening with their neighbours. A range of food
and drink will be sold, including alcoholic drinks. The Café something for everyone.
is due to open late on the first Friday of the month, starting
on 3 May, unless otherwise advertised.
The Cafe is now open from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays
for brunch. The new brunch menu includes a Full English
Civic Living
breakfast, smoked salmon and avocado toast, and a
selection of breakfast sandwiches, muffins and baps.
New homes showcased for the
first time at Alconbury Weald
Civic Living, a new design and style of homes
created by Urban&Civic, is being showcased for
the first time at Alconbury Weald. The new houses
and apartments sit at the gateway to the
development, providing an important connection
between the award-winning office buildings at
the heart of the Enterprise Campus and the wider
You don’t have to be in the fitness residential area.
industry to know that the first few
A big part of the Civic Living brand is ‘Built
months of the year see gyms Around You’, which has driven the contemporary
flooded with new members looking design and features that respond to the way
to shift the Christmas excess and people live their lives: from the open plan flexible
make this year THE year it all comes living space and outdoor courtyards and first floor
terraces, right through to functional but attractive
together. It is great to see this bin and bike stores. There are also a variety of
optimism but, by this time of year, ways homes can be adapted to reflect personal
even those who started out with the taste within a range of budgets.
best of intentions may be struggling Civic Living is a new venture for Urban&Civic, interactive Hub, which provides customers with a
to achieve their goals. borne out of a deep understanding of the fly or walk through of each street and each house
aspirations and dynamics at the heart of type, with options to try the different kitchen and
The reasons are plenty but one that stands out ● Group Program members go through an initial Alconbury Weald. Nigel Hugill, Chief Executive bathroom finishes as they go through the sales
is a lack of support when things get tough. 30 Day Reset, which is a simplified approach of Urban&Civic, explained: “Some areas of the process.
Unfortunately, many large commercial gyms to diet and exercise to help get you into better development are so intrinsic to our blueprint for
Savills is leading the sales team for the homes
cannot provide the individual support their routines. this extraordinary new place that we know we
and Associate Sales Manager, Emily Mayhew
members need due to the size and scale of their ● Then there are the deeper level coaching are best placed to deliver the design and layout
said: “I just love the design and features of these
membership base. programs such as ‘Transform 90’ to help there.
homes, they are different from anything else we
The Unit Fitness (TUF) at The Gym adopts a much educate and redefine how you eat and drink “Building homes ourselves allows us to push the have been involved with and the response has
more personalised approach and, regardless of for better health. architecture and features in modern directions. been really positive. The great thing about these
the membership you chose, they will be there to The Unit has a limited intake per month to deliver Modern lifestyles require an evolution of thought being Urban&Civic homes is that it brings the
help you achieve your fitness goals. Whether you a more personalised experience during your and an understanding and reflection of the way whole story together: the café, gym, play parks
have an ‘Open Gym’ membership or are part of initial 30 day reset. we are choosing to live our lives. ‘Built around and school are all part of what is on offer,
the Group Fitness program, they have the tools you’ encapsulates a philosophy that runs through alongside great design in the homes and
to help you reach your targets. the fundamentals of our whole approach; creating apartments: the lifestyle on offer is very much in
To make an appointment to discuss your fitness generous community facilities, connections and tune with what modern buyers are looking for.”
● Open Gym membership enables you to access requirements and membership options, call green spaces, within which new homes are not
the gym for your own training and fitness 01480 700090 or email start@unit.fitness. just constructed but integrate and grow.”
program. Visit the marketing suite and show homes
The first release of homes include 2 and 3 bedroom between 10am and 5pm, Thursday to Monday
● If you need motivation, support and a targeted
homes and 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, with or go to civicliving.co.uk for more information.
programme, then you may be best suited to
prices starting from £205,000.
TUF’s Coaching Program. Attending coached
sessions 2-4 times a week, alongside guidance The marketing suite and show homes are now
from TUF’s nutrition program, will deliver open and provide a welcoming and personal
results quickly and set the foundations for long approach for potential buyers to explore the
term success. product range. Features include a bespoke
10 | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | 11
Morris Redrow Homes
Final opportunities at Homes
flagship development
Sponsors new Housebuilder of the 11 new apprentices
children’s allotment Year awards recruited
Morris Homes has sponsored the new children’s Redrow Homes won the prestigious accolade of As part of its 2018 apprentice programme, Redrow
allotment at Ermine Street Church Academy, Housebuilder of the Year at the WhatHouse? has welcomed 11 new apprentices – two plumbing,
which will be used as a recreation and education Awards in November 2018 in recognition of the three electrical, three brickwork and three
area, helping to inspire the children and teach company’s achievements over the last year. carpentry.
them essential gardening skills such as how to It was also awarded gold in the Best Large
The intake follows the success of Redrow South
choose the right plants and how to grow fruit Housebuilder category, for companies
Midlands’ ongoing apprenticeship scheme, which
and vegetables. completing 1,000 or more homes a year.
has been running since 2013. The scheme gives
To ensure pupils at the school felt part of the Steve Morgan CBE, Founder and Chairman at students in the local area an opportunity to gain
project from the outset, a naming competition Redrow, said: “I was delighted to be able to hands-on experience and build a career in their
was introduced to give the children a chance collect the award on behalf of the Redrow team chosen vocation.
to name the new allotment themselves. ‘Ermine as our achievements are a total team effort.
John Mann, Managing Director of Redrow (South
Hopkins Homes are nearing completion of their part of the Street Children’s Allotment’ was cast as the This recognition is even more special given we
Midlands), said: “Our apprenticeships give
gateway development at Alconbury Weald. There are now deciding name, merging several ideas and recently completed our 100,000th home, which is
individuals the chance to step straight into a
fewer than ten homes left available from the award-winning incorporating the school’s initials. something I never would’ve imagined achieving
career while they continue to learn. A large
developer so buyers will need to act quickly to secure their when I founded Redrow 44 years ago.”
Speaking about the opening of the new proportion choose to stay with Redrow, becoming
dream home.
allotment, headteacher Adrian Shepherd said: The WhatHouse? judges recognised Redrow for experts in their field as a result – it’s fantastic to
The final homes start from £309,995 and there are currently “We know how excited the children have been to its contribution to important industry issues such have seen so many success stories over the
a number of buying schemes available, such as the see the plans coming together and to watch the as apprenticeships, sustainability and for having years.”
Government backed Help to Buy* and Hopkins Homes’ own new green space taking shape. We know it will a strong voice on key housing issues. This award
Applications for Redrow South Midland’s 2019
part exchange programme* and MoveEasy* schemes. make a real difference to their free time but also came just weeks after Redrow was named
apprenticeship scheme are now officially open,
to their learning. I want to say a big thank you Housebuilder of the Year at the 2018 Building
The final homes available include: with six places available. For further information
to Morris Homes for their support in bringing this Awards and picked up eight awards at the 2018
● The Ely: a charming cottage offering 2 bedrooms and an about vacancies, please visit: redrowcareers.co.uk.
project to life.” UK Property Awards.
open plan living and dining area, making it a popular
choice with first time buyers, couples and small families. Speaking about their involvement in the project,
To find out more, call 01480 802430 or visit:
Morris Homes Marketing Director, Penny Langton Redrow will be launching phase 2 of its homes at Alconbury Weald with a range of 3, 4 and 5
● The Thorney: a contemporary 3 storey design, with a redrow.co.uk/developments/alconbury-weald-
said, “We are proud to be able to contribute to or visit: redrow.co.uk/developments/
bedroom homes. To find out more, call 01480 802430huntingdon
luxurious master suite that occupies the whole of the
local communities and were very happy to fund
third floor. Two additional bedrooms on the floor below alconbury-weald-huntingdon
this exciting allotment initiative for the children of
enjoy access to either an ensuite or an adjacent family
Ermine Street Church Academy. Our development
bathroom.
at Alconbury Weald is just down the road from the
● The Boston: a substantial 4 bedroom property with a school, so we’re sure plenty of Morris’ residents
double garage and additional parking offering a spacious and their children will benefit from the facilities in
open plan kitchen/dining area that flows through to the the future.”
family room. The generously proportioned master and
second bedrooms have ensuite shower rooms and all
bedrooms provide built-in wardrobes. Morris properties currently available at
Alconbury Weald include 3, 4 and 5 bedroom
● The Holbeach: a spacious 3 bedroom detached home
homes from £299,750. For information, call
with open plan kitchen and dining room, separate
01480 355286 or visit http://bit.ly/2WtfWwb
utility and living room. Upstairs there are three well sized
bedrooms with the master bedroom benefitting from an
ensuite shower room.
Other 3 and 4 bedroom styles are also available, giving
buyers the chance to find their perfect home.
For more information or to view the remaining homes visit
Ann at the Hopkins Homes marketing suite from 10am-5pm
from Thursday to Monday or call 01480 435108.
*terms and conditions apply
12 | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | 13
Campus Heaven Media expands
news in Incubator
Heaven Media, one of The Incubator’s first tenants, is going from
strength to strength and, since relocating to Alconbury Campus
IKO inaugurates first over four years ago, has increased its team from four to eight and
nearly doubled its floorspace.
UK insulation facility Heaven Media is one of the world’s fastest
growing marketing agencies in the online gaming
IKO Insulations, global leader in roofing, waterproofing and industry, specialising in promoting products and It’s great to be part of an
insulation products, has officially launched its first insulation organising events in this fast-moving, highly
evolving business community.
competitive arena. Heaven Media applies its
plant in the UK. The 60,000 sq m facility at Alconbury Weald expertise, knowledge and experience to create We work hard and spend a
is IKO’s third insulation plant in Europe and fifth worldwide. tailored solutions that enable its clients to
fair proportion of life in the
effectively access and engage their target
audience. office – so it needs to be a
Heaven Media’s core UK team is based in the positive and inspiring place
Incubator and is supported by staff in seven
countries, opening new offices in Australia and
to help keep the team happy
Texas last year. and motivated.
The team immerses itself in the world of online Mark Reed Heaven Media founder
gaming to stay on top of the latest trends and
utilises a variety of marketing tools and
techniques, including:
● Designing, managing and implementing
campaigns across a variety of social media
platforms.
● Working with influencers on YouTube and
Twitch to get client’s products in front of their
target market with appropriate endorsements
from the superstars of the gaming scene.
● Organising events to launch and promote
products in the UK and globally.
● Helping clients identify sponsorship
opportunities and managing the details to
The new facility represents a £30 million The IKO building is located at the end of the ensure it runs smoothly and achieves
investment by IKO and will produce insulation for former runway and, as well as displaying the IKO maximum return on investment.
around 40,000 homes a year in the UK, helping Insulations logo, the roof of the building displays
Mark Reed, Founder of Heaven Media, said: “I’ve
the Government achieve the Climate Change a chevron pattern to pay tribute to the site’s
been based in a number in premises in
Act’s current target to reduce carbon emissions history.
Huntingdonshire over the past 20 years but
by 80% by 2050. By manufacturing insulation
IKO is committed to investment in new products, nothing compares to The Incubator. It has a very
boards in the UK, the factory will also help reduce
manufacturing facilities, customer services, and cool and modern vibe, which fits with the
the environmental impact and cost of importing
staff and customer training to ‘set the standard’ Company’s outlook and ethos. We are in a light,
materials from abroad.
in every field and has employed people from the bright space with amazing views, which is really
Hartley Koschitzky, co-Chairman IKO Group and local area in its new facility at Alconbury Weald. important to our staff. It also creates a positive
CEO IKO Europe, said: “The new factory represents impression with our clients, many of whom are
a significant investment for IKO that will enhance based in London and major European cities, and
For more information visit ikogroup.co.uk
our leading position as a supplier of choice for it is important to have an office that fits with our
contractors and building materials merchants brand and client expectations for where such a
throughout the UK. We are excited to be here in creative, technology driven agency would be
Alconbury Weald and look forward to being an based.”
active part of the community.”
Local stakeholders attending the launch included To find out more, visit heavenmedia.com
Jonathan Djanogly, MP and Huntingdon Deputy
Mayor Steve McAdam, who were given a tour of
the new facility and the development site as part
of the inauguration event.
14 | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | 15
Skills and EDGE is a jobs and skills partnership that
works with Alconbury Enterprise Campus and
iMET New composite
apprenticeship launched
learning businesses across the region, to help them
to help meet regional
find the people they need and give local
people the skills to fill those vacancies. skills shortage
sharperskills.co.uk
In November, iMET opened its
New training hub Open Doors tour doors to welcome the first
cohort of composite technician
to support major at Civic Living apprentices to its new multi-
million pound advanced
national construction Civic Living welcomed a group of local students to Alconbury Weald
as part of Open Doors, a national campaign that gives people an
training facility at Alconbury
skills drive opportunity to go behind the scenes to discover what it is like to
work in construction and the diverse range of skills needed.
Weald.
The new composites apprenticeship has been
Greater Peterborough University Technical College, a specialist developed through the close collaboration
A new training hub is being established as part of the live
college for future engineers, designers, architects and construction between iMET and local business Codem
construction site at Alconbury Weald. The hub, funded by
professionals, took up the offer and sent Year 12 students working Composites along with National Composites
the Construction Skill Fund, is part of a national plan to train
towards their City and Guilds L3 and the Advanced Technical Diploma Centre to tailor the training curriculum to meet
thousands of workers and help tackle skills shortages in the
in Construction to find out more. the specialised needs of the composites industry.
construction industry.
As well as an opportunity to speak to representatives from different The first cohort comprises 10 first year
The Alconbury Weald hub will also support training at
professions working within the construction industry, the visit enabled apprentices from Codem Composites and TRB
Urban&Civic’s other Cambridgeshire projects at Waterbeach
the students to bring their classroom learning to life during RG Carter’s Lightweight Structures and, over the 3-year
and Wintringham, St Neots. The project will work across the
interactive workshop on wall-building and the technical skills needed course, the students will work towards a BTEC
housebuilders and contractors working onsite and engage
to become a bricklayer. qualification and an NVQ qualification as well as
local training partners, charities and organisations
preparation to apply for their initial professional
supporting people returning to work, as well as local The tour was particularly beneficial to the students due to Alconbury
qualification EngTech.
schools and colleges. Weald’s 15 year project timeline, meaning there will be plenty of job
opportunities here in the years to come. To mark the occasion, Cambridgeshire and
With an estimated 158,000 new construction workers
Peterborough Mayor James Palmer visited iMET
needed in the UK over the next five years, the scheme will
to see first-hand how the apprentices will be
help create the skilled workers to meet this challenge.
given the skills that will help them further their
Education Secretary Damian Hinds said: “It is vital that we careers.
have a strong workforce post-Brexit. The Construction Skills
Mayor Palmer said: “To see the apprentices
Fund will ensure more people gain the skills they need to
already at work is fantastic and what’s exciting is
forge a successful career and help create the skilled
that this is just the start. The UK has a significant
workers we need to deliver on our housing ambitions.”
productivity challenge, and the Combined
The Construction Skills Fund will help inform the design of Authority is committed to a skills agenda that
the National Retraining Scheme, an ambitious programme offers real solutions for the local economy, with
to drive adult learning and retraining as part of the
Government’s modern industrial strategy – a long-term plan
Whether building new homes iMET a prime example.”
to build a Britain fit for the future by helping businesses
create jobs in every part of the UK.
or contributing to major There is a significant cluster of composite
businesses in Cambridgeshire, many of whom
infrastructure projects to struggle to recruit staff with the required skills.
The creation of the Composites Technician
keep our country connected, apprenticeship at iMET is a unique opportunity
to put the area at the forefront of composites
working in construction Erasmus students visit Alconbury Weald
manufacture and therefore grow the local
means helping to shape economy.
Jo Sainsbury, Managing Director of iMET said:
Britain in the months and A group of European
exchange students, visiting “iMET’s innovative training approach is truly
years ahead. Cambridge Regional College
as part of an Erasmus
industry-led, ensuring that our advanced
engineering programmes are tailored to provide
businesses with exactly the kinds of skills they
Damian Hinds Education Secretary project, called in at Alconbury
need to grow. Our first dedicated Composites
Weald to find out more about
the companies based at the Apprenticeship program has been developed as
Enterprise Campus and the a result of working hand in hand with specialists
wide variety of different from the composite industry and is a great example
career opportunities of us putting the iMET philosophy into practice.”
available within the region. imet.co.uk
16 | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | 17
FIRST FLOOR
Work is progressing well with the restoration and repurposing of Lookout
the listed World War II Watch Office building at Alconbury Weald.
Foyer
The Watch Office, previously a highly important ● Replacement/refurbishment of a number of
building in the operation of the original airfield, doors and windows.
became redundant and obscured by additional ● Demolition for existing boiler room, which will
airfield buildings following the modernisation of be replaced with a new plant room with a new
the airfield and the relocation of its main runway. boiler, WCs and a kitchen.
MAIN BUILDING
The works being undertaken will bring the Watch ● Addition of insulation fabric. GROUND FLOOR
Office back to its former appearance, once again ● Replacement of existing asbestos roof
giving it an active use and, with the introduction covering and guttering.
of new landscaping, it will regain prominence Office Store Office
● Repairing/replacing historic plaster and joinery
within Alconbury Weald.
where damaged, ensuring it matches adjacent Office Office WC Office
About the Watch Office historic materials and workmanship. Office
The Grade 2 Listed Watch Office was built in ● Existing render will be repaired on a like for like Foyer NISSEN HUT
1940-41 as the first permanent Watch Office at basis and external paintwork to replicate
RAF Alconbury. It was a standard first-generation colours used during the 1940s.
design, constructed at the heart of the working
airfield when it served as a satellite station to The building’s original layout will be preserved
Wyton. The building was changed and developed and will remain fully legible following completion
over the war years and a first storey observation of the works.
The Watch Office is being re-purposed, with offices
room was added to the single storey, pitched roof A new era created for Groundwork, a new kitchen and Reception
building, which included a watch office, operations The renovated Nissen Hut will be used as a area. The Nissen Hut – once used for wartime briefings
room, teleprinter room and telephone exchange. – will become a community space.
community space for residents of Alconbury Weald.
Post war modifications included a boiler room. It will include a temporary library provision as
Refurbishment works well as heritage displays, to ensure the building
Sympathetic restoration and refurbishment plans provides a focus of World War II remembrance
and appropriate uses have been developed for and captures its important historic role.
the building, to ensure it had a sustainable future Located in front of the building is Watch Office
as an office and community space at the heart of Green, a formal, grassed open space that in
the first phase of Alconbury Weald. future will be surrounded by landscaping and
Local contractor RG Carter started on site in woodland. The Green will feature a memorial,
mid-September 2018 and is progressing well with which is currently being progressed with a range
works, which include: of heritage partners, to commemorate the tragic
accident of May 1943, when 19 air crew were
● Reconfiguration of internal space to re- killed when a bomb was dropped while being
establish historic wartime form of the building. loaded into a B17.
● Retention of existing steel stair, roof access
The refurbished Watch Office is expected to be
ladder and roof balustrade.
completed in May 2019.
● Small, black painted passenger lift to access
the museum space – a reversible addition, in
keeping with the industrial appearance of the
Watch Office.
Photographs taken of the
aftermath of the May 1943
accident, which will be
commemorated on Memorial
Green in front of the Watch Office.
Watch Office
18 | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | 19Community Rainbows, Brownies and
news
Guides at Alconbury Weald
It has been over a year since Alconbury Brownies set up an
Alconbury Weald unit – and it’s going from strength to strength.
Ermine Street The Brownies meet from 6.00pm to and experiences they need to thrive,
Church Academy
7.30pm on Wednesday evenings at succeed and be happy in the modern
Ermine Street Church Academy and world. There are many exciting
have lots of fun learning new skills and opportunities and challenges and
working towards their badges. we’ve looking forward to a fun-packed
year ahead.”
Last year, Alconbury Weald Brownies
Alconbury Weald’s first primary school started its third school were involved in a wide variety of The first Guides at Alconbury Weald is
year last September with more than eight times as many activities and had huge success on a due to start in the autumn, with a local
U-Canoe course over four weeks at resident set to take on the role of unit
children as when it first opened its doors back in 2016. Sawtry One Leisure, completed their leader once she has completed her
If you are interested in inspiring girls
gardener’s badge, learnt about the training. A Rainbows unit is also due to
We caught up with headteacher, Adrian What’s in store for the rest of the school year? and young women to access more
suffrage movement – running their own established at Alconbury Weald before
Shepherd to find out how the Autumn term We started the Spring term with an extra class – opportunities and stretch their
debates and creating their own the end of the year.
and the beginning of 2019 have gone. Liberator. This now takes us to five classes, with potential, Girlguiding Alconbury want
campaign slogans, went on the county
room to welcome other children as they move to If you have a daughter at Alconbury to hear from you.
BOUNCE trip, enjoyed polishing shoes
Hi Adrian. What were some of your recent Alconbury Weald. Weald who would like to join the
and windows, and took part on They are looking for volunteers to
highlights? Brownies or register for the new Guides
With the weather now improving trips are being Alconbury Weald’s first remembrance help set up and run the new Rainbows
We’ve had a fantastic first half to the school year. or Rainbows being established, please
planned to add an extra dimension to the service at the memorial at Watch and Guides units at Alconbury Weald
The children have been tenacious learners, get in touch (see contact details right).
children’s learning. Westow settlement and Office Green. and will work with you and provide all
developing their skills and knowledge across the the support and training you need.
Rockingham Castle are first on the list. Jacqui Fairbrass, Alconbury District
curriculum, as well as helping those in need and
enjoying being at the heart of the Alconbury Our trim trail will be extended over the Easter Commissioner for Girlguiding said: “A If you are interested in helping in any
Weald community. break to provide more play opportunities for new guiding programme was launched way – or would like to find out more
our children and, before you know it, we will be last year that has over 800 new – please contact Jennie Grove on
Last term the children helped collected 139kg of activities, badges and challenges 07494 633431 or email Jennie.Grove@
holding a sports day, a family picnic and special
produce for the Food Bank in Godmanchester designed to equip girls with the skills girlguiding.org.uk
assemblies for our leavers!
during Harvest Festival – enough to feed three
families of five for a week – and raised £320 by
enjoying a Big Breakfast of bacon rolls, toast and
cereal before school. More recently, we held an Governor opportunities
afternoon tea for older residents and have begun School governors are volunteers, who make sure
to use our allotment, which was sponsored by schools provide the best possible education for
Morris Homes and potatoes, carrots and beans students, help young people reach their full
have already been planted. potential and want to play an important role at
the heart of the community.
The children have also been very active. Years 3,
4, 5 and 6 have all taken part in Bikeability Ermine Street Church Academy has a number
training, so that they can cycle to school as safely of governor opportunities and is particularly keen
as possible. Year 5 and 6 spent three days in to hear from anyone with a business or finance
November sailing, rock climbing and cycling at background interested in joining the school’s
Grafham. And the children have also been governing body.
competing in netball and football matches.
If you would like to find out more information
Just before the February half-term break, we or talk to someone about the roles and
received our first inspection. As we are a Church responsibilities of a school governor, please
Academy we are inspected by Ofsted and we email Melanie Mathews at businessmanager@
have a Statutory Inspection of Anglican and erminestreetca.org.uk
Methodist Schools – SIAMS. I am very pleased to
report that we were graded as a Good school and
the report includes some wonderful
acknowledgements of the work and support we
To keep up to date with everything that’s going
provide for our school community and beyond.
on at Ermine Street Church Academy, follow on
A copy of the SIAMS report can be found online: Twitter @Ermine_Str_CA or visit:
www.erminestreetca.org.uk/ofsted-siams www.erminestreetca.org.uk
20 | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | 21Alconbury
Remembering Weald’s first Easter activities
Alconbury christening Spring is finally here, and with the lighter
evenings and warmer weather, there are
20Twenty Productions, a not-for-profit even more opportunities to enjoy the parks
organisation that uses creativity and and green spaces in and around Alconbury
participation to engage and empower Weald. There are also a number of events
children and young people, is working with and activities being held at Alconbury
a group of 16 young people to develop Weald over the Easter break to encourage
performance pieces to pay tribute to the residents to get out and about and explore
former airfield site. their neighbourhood.
The project started in October half term when the group was given The Weald Pioneer Ministries marked
a tour of Alconbury Weald, which included a visit to the nuclear bunker. an important milestone when Rev Rob
Paddison performed his first
The group then worked with artists from 20Twenty Productions to
christening at Alconbury Weald.
consider what art form they would like to use to share with an
Health
audience some of the site-specific stories they had learnt about. The Over 80 people gathered for the
group were also joined by local resident Corporal Nathan Mordecai, christening of Isaac Christopher Barnes
a vehicle mechanic maintaining powerpacks for heavy armoured at Ermine Street Church Academy.
walks
tracked vehicles, who was able to give the young people some real
Rev Paddison designed interactive
context about being in the military.
activities illustrating different aspects
All members of the group decided on performance pieces and all of the service, and family, friends and
chose a different story. They researched the stories as best they could, neighbours were greeted with compost
however, they have also allowed some artistic licence, particularly the and tomato seeds; a reminder that
group that decided to include a Russian Spy in their re-enactment! Isaac will need the nurture of his
Since October the group has met regularly to continue to develop their
performances and are also working on achieving a Bronze Arts Award.
community to flourish!
Other activities included scratch
The first of two health walks
organised by One Leisure and the
Active New Communities’ project
Easter Trail
crosses, lantern lighting and making took place at Alconbury Weald on Due to the popularity of last year’s Easter Trail, this year’s will be even
The premier of ‘Remember Alconbury’ was a great success with bigger and better. Lots of bright and beautiful eggs (of the paper, not
‘road’ signs for Isaac’s amazing 3 October and 5 December 2018.
everyone nailing their performance and the audience enjoying a chocolate, variety) will be displayed across Alconbury Weald from
journey ahead.
creative event that paid tribute to the former airfield site. It was a great chance for both those 8-21 April. Trail maps and entry forms are available from the reception
Isaac’s dad, Simon Barnes, said: “The living at Alconbury Weald and in the are in The Club building – so pick one up and let the hunt begin!
activities brought the meaning of wider community to get outdoors and
baptism to life for all ages, to explore the area together. It was also Return your completed entry form to The Club to be entered in the
understand and enjoy in a unique way. an opportunity to meet others in the prize draw. Winners will be drawn and announced on 23 April (see
To top it all off, Isaac enjoyed the area and both groups stayed after to below).
celebration by adding a splash of chat over a hot drink in The Café when
water onto his own head.” they’d completed the route.
To find out more about Alconbury
Weald Church and the services
One Leisure allocated these time slots
as part of its established Health Walk
schedule across Huntingdon for the
Family Crafts
provided, contact Rev Paddison: winter season. If you are interested A free family craft session is taking place at The Club from 10:30am-
rev.paddison@outlook.com / in other walks in the area, visit 12:00 on Tuesday, 23 April. The prize draw for the Easter Trail will take
07905 136836. huntingdonshire.gov.uk/healthwalks place during the craft session at 11:30am. Don’t worry if you can’t
come along to this, we’ll get in touch to let you know if you’re a winner.
Easter Service
Alconbury Weald church will be celebrating its first Easter with an
interactive service in the grounds of Ermine Street Church Academy
around the campfire at 5pm on Easter Sunday (21 April). Rev Paddison
said: “We will explore the whole Easter story by constructing an Easter
Garden together before going on a short discovery trail looking for
puzzle pieces. This will lead us to our feast around the campfire with
communion.”
22 | Spring 2019 Spring 2019 | 23Urban&Civic Make|News
news
Newsletter feedback
Work starts on new Meet the team If you have any questions or you have
community at There are new members of the
a news story or event you want to
publicise in this newsletter or on our
Wintringham, St Neots Urban&Civic team at Alconbury
website, please contact:
Weald that we’d like to introduce:
Site preparation and early works for a Rebecca Britton, Urban&Civic
new community at Wintringham, which Communications, Communities and
John Eldridge
will form part of the Eastern Gateway Partnerships
John is Head of
to St Neots, is underway.
Technical Services T: 01480 277203
The project, which will deliver 2,800 and, working with the E: rbritton@urbanandcivic.com
homes, two primary schools, project management
Urban&Civic, The Club
community facilities and business team, is responsible
Alconbury Enterprise Campus
space, is the result of collaborative for much of the
Alconbury Weald, Huntingdon
working between Homes England, technical due diligence
Cambridgeshire PE28 4XA
Urban&Civic and Nuffield Trusts at at Alconbury Weald;
Oxford University. supporting and developing design
solutions and overseeing their delivery Alconbury Enterprise Campus
Phase one will include over 1,000 new
through reserved matters consents For more information about business
homes including affordable housing,
and technical approvals from the space on the Campus please contact:
delivery of the first primary school,
relevant statutory bodies. Andrew Brading, Urban&Civic
community and retail facilities and
health care provision. Property & Estate Manager
Henry Pauncefort-Duncombe
T: 01480 277202
Sir Andrew Dilnot, Warden, at Nuffield Henry is a
E: andy.brading@urbanandcivic.com
College, Oxford, commented: “Our Development Surveyor
alconbury-weald.co.uk
partnership with Urban&Civic and this and has been heavily
agreement with Homes England involved in the Follow us
highlights our shared vision for the high management and
quality community that will be created launch of Civic Living, @AlconburyCampus
here which is an important legacy of Urban&Civic’s new
our charitable purpose.” housebuilding arm. Alconbury Weald and Urban&Civic
He is also involved in negotiating For more information about the
New homes are due to complete early
housebuilder deals, commercial and development, Urban&Civic or the local
2020, with the new primary school
employment strategies for the projects we are involved in please
opening in September 2020.
Enterprise Campus and the contact:
implementation of early infrastructure,
Rebecca Britton, Urban&Civic
wider place making and transport
Communications, Communities and
initiatives and strategies.
Partnerships
Georgina Hare T: 01480 277203
Georgina has taken on E: rbritton@urbanandcivic.com
a permanent role with alconbury-weald.co.uk
the Alconbury Weald urbanandcivic.com
team having provided Follow us
reception cover and
@beccaUandC
admin support on a
@AlconburyWHomes
temping basis since
September 2018.
Prior to working at Urban&Civic,
Georgina completed a degree in
Education at Anglia Ruskin University.
24 | Spring 2019You can also read
