A Faith and Community Hub That Puts Northstowe First
The Building (know more)
Hindu Samaj Northstowe (HSN) has submitted a bid for the Phase 1 faith and community land — a site adjacent to the lake, designated for faith and community use. The proposal is for a permanent Interfaith, Wellbeing & Community Hub (79% space), with a Hindu place of worship (21% space) as part of a larger civic facility open to every resident regardless of faith, background, or belief.
What Makes This Proposal Different
A space for Everyone in Northstowe
This resident-designed, evidence-based proposal creates a truly inclusive space, welcoming everyone regardless of faith or background without preference or exclusion.
Addresses a genuine local gap
With no Hindu place of worship within 40 miles of Northstowe, this proposal would relieve the day-to-day hardship faced by the community, which no other current proposal can.
Zero Development Risk
Fully funded before each phase begins — no borrowing, no loans, and no financial risk to the Council or residents. 130% of Phase 1 costs are already secured.
BENEFITS FOR ALL
A Community Centre Plan Shaped by Four Years of Local Input
Over four years of community engagement by HSN — including feedback from residents across backgrounds and a recent survey of 164 local households — the message is clear. This is not a niche facility; it is a civic asset shaped by what residents have actually asked for.
STEM & Youth Education
Robotics, coding, homework support — delivered by CamCare UK, 10+ years delivery record.
Health & Wellbeing
Yoga, meditation, mental health support, and an Over Day Centre for elderly residents.
Environment
An outdoor living lab with Cam Together CIC — climate action meets community wellbeing.
Culture & Festivals
Holi, Diwali, Navratri — and community celebrations open to everyone in Northstowe.
Social Support
Food redistribution, language cafes, and digital inclusion for residents at risk of isolation.
Interfaith Spaces
Prayer and reflection rooms open to all faiths, alongside interfaith dialogue workshops.
Find the full list of activities community centre will offer here
Resident Survey: Activities Requested Across Faiths
Why Does Northstowe Need This Now?
Filling a Vital Local Gap for Northstowe Residents
Community engagement and HSN surveys indicate that the Hindu community is the third-largest faith group in Northstowe and is growing rapidly, with an estimated 150 Hindu households in the local area.
Despite this significant presence, Hindu residents currently lack accessible local facilities to meet their religious, cultural, and community needs—facilities that followers of other faiths can reach within a reasonable commuting distance for regular, day-to-day use. This creates a clear and pressing gap in provision and highlights the need for inclusive community infrastructure within Northstowe itself.
>500
Estimated Hindu Residents in Northstowe
Zero Hindu temples in all of Cambridgeshire
94%
Travel 1hr+ to worship
Each way — a 2–3 hour round trip for basic spiritual needs.
26
Resident Testimonies
Submitted as formal evidence to the Council later later
"We are the ONLY religion in Cambridge without a religious place — which is so sad."
— Northstowe Resident
A Generation Missing Its Faith
Children growing up in Northstowe have never experienced faith in their own town.
Opportunity to integrate
Our hub integrates faith with civic duty, ensuring the land serves the maximum number of people and strengthens the social fabric of Northstowe.
Celebration of Unity
A once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a landmark that celebrates diversity and cements Northstowe's identity as a truly inclusive town.SN
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