New community centre to be built as part of 120-home Cambridge development

The community centre is set to open in summer 2027

A library and meeting rooms in a new community space will be built as part of a major 120-home development. The Nest, a new community centre, is set to open in East Barnwell in summer 2027, according to local charity Abbey People.

It forms part of the wider Barnwell Square development to deliver 120 modern council homes on both sides of Barnwell Road. According to Abbey People, who are in partnership with Barnwell Library, The Nest will include open public spaces, library services, and bookable meeting rooms.

Residents will be able to join groups, get support, use the library, or celebrate special occasions there. The charity said it will create “a visible, modern home for community life, supporting residents of all ages and helping the neighbourhood thrive”.

“Above all, The Nest is being created as a place where people feel comfortable, welcome, and truly at home in their community,” Abbey People said.

The Nest will be located inside a new building currently in the works at the corner of Barnwell Road and Newmarket Road. It will be in a mixed-use neighbourhood that will include a public library, a pre-school, open spaces, commercial units, and new council homes.

The Barnwell Square development replaces 18 ageing flats with 120 new council homes including four that have been designed for people with disabilities. The homes are being built by Cambridge Investment Partnership with housebuilder The Hill Group.