Following conversations with residents and local partners, the plans for Runway Park — a major green space forming the heart of Phase 3 and following the historic line of the former runway — have now been completed and submitted. The design brings together areas for nature, leisure, community events and everyday activity, stretching from The Glade local centre towards the future Town Centre Hub.
Shaped around the route of the old airfield runway, the park will offer a rich mix of natural habitats alongside accessible parkland and gardens. It will feature peaceful spots for relaxation as well as more active areas that encourage healthy, outdoor living. Runway Park is intended to become a vibrant, much‑loved destination for everyone living, working or spending time in Alconbury Weald.
At the eastern gateway to the park, Watchtower Green will create a flexible space for gatherings, play and nature‑based activities. It will lead into the Runway Wetlands — a broad, open landscape featuring water elements that both manage rainfall and provide valuable wetland habitats for wildlife. In the central section, Runway Meadows will offer a large, adaptable parkland suitable for play, sport, community events and everyday recreation.
A network of green corridors will link the main park to wider pedestrian and cycling routes planned throughout Phase 3. These routes will include their own pockets of planting, wildlife zones and play features, echoing the popular greenways introduced in earlier phases of Alconbury Weald.
At the western end, Butterfly Meadows will form a sweeping natural meadow surrounding a play space and open grassed areas. It will be designed to support the full lifecycle of butterflies, with sheltered areas, seasonal planting, nectar and food sources, and safe places for eggs and caterpillars throughout the year.
Runway Park is one of four major green spaces planned for Alconbury Weald, joining Watch Office Green, the cricket pitch, Prestley Park and the future Community Sports Hub. Together, these areas form a network of high‑quality natural spaces running throughout the development.
Alongside providing places for people to enjoy, the park is also an important part of the site’s long‑term environmental strategy. The wider plans for Alconbury Weald ensure a measurable net gain for nature, with a projected 20% increase in biodiversity supported through active management of Runway Park and the surrounding green spaces.
