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Northstowe resident names major gateway to new town “Northstowe Avenue”

A name submitted by a local Northstowe resident has been selected as the official name for the main gateway into Northstowe, Cambridge, one of Britain’s most significant new towns under development. Homes England, the government’s homes and regeneration agency, unanimously agreed on “Northstowe Avenue” out of the 104 entries received, as the name for the new road, after Thomas Nalloor submitted the suggestion as part of a local initiative.

The recently named access road stretching over a mile, along with its new footways and cycleways, opened in Autumn 2023. It connects the B1050 roundabout to the emerging town and to the area which will become Northstowe’s future town centre and to the expanding Northstowe Learning Community. The road provides a long-term solution for connecting Northstowe to Bar Hill, Cambridge, and beyond via the A14.

To celebrate the opening and mark the pivotal moment in Northstowe’s journey, Homes England invited residents of Northstowe, Longstanton, Oakington, and Westwick, as well as local groups, to help shape the town’s identity by naming the road. The judges unanimously voted for Thomas Nalloor’s submission: Northstowe Avenue. “Northstowe” was chosen as it differentiates the road from the villages and parishes around it and celebrates the town’s heritage. “Avenue” is defined as a ‘broad passageway bordered by trees’ and recognises the general biodiversity of the Northstowe development project.

Matthew Brown, head of large sites at Homes England, said:

“Northstowe Avenue is a major road that is critical to residents and visitors accessing the town, especially in the future. Its opening is a big moment in Northstowe’s journey; this extent of road infrastructure isn’t typically delivered so early on in a major development, but it serves as a key connection point, linking Northstowe to its surrounding areas and welcoming residents, commuters, and visitors alike.

“We decided to give the opportunity to name the road back to the community which it will serve, and Thomas’ suggestion took the judges’ unanimous vote because it is appropriate that the main route into the town carries the name of the town, and ‘Avenue’ reflects the grandeur of the route in its green setting.”

Thomas Nalloor, who submitted the winning name, said:

“I’m honoured that my suggestion, “Northstowe Avenue,” was chosen as the name for this new landmark road. As a local resident, I wanted to submit a name that would reflect the unique history and identity of Northstowe itself, setting it apart from the surrounding villages. The name ‘Northstowe’ is deeply rooted in the area’s heritage, tracing back to the Hundred of Northstow, which speaks to its Roman and Anglo-Saxon past.

“I chose ‘Avenue’ because it symbolises a broad passageway often lined with trees, which felt fitting given Northstowe’s focus on biodiversity, greenery, and sustainability. I hope the name resonates with residents and visitors for years to come as Northstowe continues to grow into a thriving new town.”

Offering convenient access for residents, commuters, and visitors, Northstowe Avenue complements the town’s growing network of walking, cycling, and horse-riding paths, as well as existing links to the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway.

Find out more about travel in and around Northstowe at https://www.northstowe.com/travel