Complementing Hobsons Square, the impressive four storey Clay Farm Centre is a vital new addition for Trumpington’s residents, boasting a large 250 person community hall with retractable, tiered seating. It offers a range of conference and meeting rooms, a public library and a café plus a dance and exercise studio. The building will also accommodate a health centre, Trumpington Medical Practice, and has apartments on the upper floors.
The new square and community building were designed together, and in consultation with local residents, so that functionally and visually they complement each other and meet the needs of the area. This flexible space gives Trumpington’s community a hub in which to meet and socialise, while accommodating a wide range of open air events.
The official launch of Hobsons Square and the Clay Farm Centre was presided over by the Mayor of Cambridge, Cllr Nigel Gawthorpe, in a ribbon-cutting event held on Saturday, October 27th. To mark the special occasion, a series of indoor and outdoor activities were organised including street games, table tennis and climbing, among others. To showcase the versatility of the new building, a wide range of impressive shows were also held, including a drama performance, magic show and even a pop-up circus.
The Friday evening leading up to the launch also offered plenty of entertainment, with a family disco and light switch-on event being held.
The events on both days received support from BPHA.
Cllr Katie Thornburrow, Executive Councillor for Streets & Open Spaces at Cambridge City Council said: “The new centre already offers the Trumpington community excellent facilities for a wide range of activities, and the opening of Hobsons Square will significantly enhance the building and what it offers.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing how the external spaces are used with the public art and building elevation as a backdrop – the designers have done a great job, and I know that the community here is full of ideas and enthusiasm. This is reflected in what has already started happening here at the Centre and around the new developments.”
Andrew Carrington, Managing Director of Strategic Land at Countryside, comments: “The official opening of Clay Farm Centre and Hobsons Square represents a major milestone in bringing the local community together.”
“Great Kneighton, along with the wider Trumpington area, will benefit from an array of new facilities and services, all designed to make life here even more inclusive.”
In the centre of Hobsons Square is also a stunning new sculpture, known as the “Bronze House”. Crafted by renowned artists Heather and Ivan Morrison, the piece was inspired by archaeological discoveries on the site dating from the Bronze Age.
The Clay Farm Centre is operated by Cambridge City Council in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council.