A major new community space, The Nest, is set to open in East Barnwell in summer 2027. Operated by local charity Abbey People in partnership with Barnwell Library, it will create a visible, modern home for community life, supporting residents of all ages and helping the neighbourhood thrive.
The Nest will be located inside a prominent new building currently taking shape at the corner of Barnwell Road and Newmarket Road. It forms part of the wider Barnwell Square development being delivered by Cambridge Investment Partnership, the equal partnership between Cambridge City Council and Hill.
Replacing the current ageing community centre, The Nest will bring together open public spaces, library services, and bookable meeting rooms and halls in one welcoming building. Residents will be able to join groups, get support, use the library, or celebrate special occasions there.
The new hub sits at the heart of a wider mixed-use neighbourhood that will include a public library, a pre-school, open spaces, and new council homes. When complete, the Barnwell Square development will deliver 120 modern council homes across both sides of Barnwell Road, alongside commercial units and community facilities, helping to create a vibrant and well-connected local centre.
Nicky Shepard, CEO of Abbey People, said: “The Nest is more than a building. It’s a space where connection, opportunity, and everyday life come together. Our strategy commits to helping people move from surviving to thriving, and The Nest will be central to that by offering welcoming public space, shared activities, and places to gather. We want everyone in East Barnwell to feel at home here and to experience the real benefits of community support and belonging.”
Community spaces like this play a proven role in improving wellbeing and reducing isolation, helping people feel more connected to their neighbourhoods and to each other. Above all, The Nest is being created as a place where people feel comfortable, welcome, and truly at home in their community.
*Photo credit: Phil Mynott
