First family moves into Waterbeach development

Caroline Ward, the community development lead for Waterbeach, with Sam, Deni and their son

The first family has moved into a major new housing development.

Outline permission for 6,500 homes, on the former military base at Waterbeach, near Cambridge, was given in 2019.

Five schools are set to open on the site, which will include a health centre, shops and services - and a sustainable travel hub.

Homeowners Sam and Deni said their young son "can’t wait to be the first person down the slide when the woodland play area opens in the spring".

The first of more than 1,000 homes are being built in Waterbeach

"Our son is also excited about his new room and the garden and is looking forward to other children moving in so he can make new friends," the family said.

Urban & Civic, the main developer of the brownfield site, said a 1.1km (0.68 mile) loop had been opened around the development’s 23-acre lake.

Walking and cycling routes were in place and a sports hall and studio had been refurbished.

Phase One of the development is currently under way to build 1,600 homes, health and community facilities, play areas, and the first primary school, the developers said.

The area is also home to the Waterbeach Military Heritage Museum, and a memorial garden to honour those who served on the site.