A Partnership Agreement supporting the delivery of the Huntingdonshire Defence Cluster and Project FAIRFAX was strengthened during the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), as Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Urban&Civic and Newlands Developments formally joined Huntingdonshire District Council and the Ministry of Defence in committing to the project's future success. The agreement builds on the Statement of Intent signed by Huntingdonshire District Council and the Ministry of Defence in December 2024, which established a shared ambition to develop a nationally significant defence cluster in Huntingdonshire.
The addition of new signatories marks the next phase of collaboration, bringing together key public and private sector partners to help accelerate delivery and maximise opportunities for investment, innovation and sustainable growth.
Signed during UKREiiF in Leeds, the agreement demonstrates growing momentum behind the Huntingdonshire Defence Cluster and a shared commitment to unlocking the full potential of Project FAIRFAX and the wider North Huntingdon Opportunity Zone.
The cluster will build on the district's unique strategic assets, including RAF Wyton, RAF Alconbury and RAF Molesworth, helping to create a world-leading ecosystem for defence, intelligence, innovation, geo-spatial technologies and advanced manufacturing. Alongside Project FAIRFAX, the initiative has the potential to generate high-skilled jobs, deliver homes, support local businesses, attract inward investment and support infrastructure needed to support sustainable growth.
Cllr Sarah Conboy, Executive Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council said: "The Statement of Intent signed with the Ministry of Defence last year established a strong foundation and a shared vision for the future of the Huntingdonshire Defence Cluster. This Partnership Agreement represents the next step in that journey, bringing together organisations that will play a vital role in helping us turn that vision into reality.
"By aligning our expertise, resources and ambitions, we can accelerate the delivery of Project FAIRFAX and the wider opportunities within the North Huntingdon Opportunity Zone, creating high-quality jobs, attracting investment and delivering long-term benefits for our communities. These are important ambitions leading to positive outcomes locally, but also in the national interest.
"We value the power of partnerships, and it is important as a Council that we work with those who share our ambitions and want to deliver at pace. The support shown by our partners through this agreement demonstrates the confidence that exists in Huntingdonshire's potential to become a nationally significant centre for defence technologies, innovation and growth."
Rebecca Britton, Director at Urban&Civic, the master developer behind Alconbury Weald Enterprise Campus said: "Huntingdonshire has deep roots and connections with the defence community and its related industries. The transformation of the former RAF Alconbury - historically a key support airfield for Wyton during the Second World War and a sister station for American allies during the Cold War - will play a key role in driving this forward as one of the country's leading Enterprise Zones. With a thriving business community, strong transport links, incentives and space available now for R&D and office space, and bespoke buildings deliverable to turn-key in 12 months, we’re proud to support this growing cluster and be part of the partnership agreement.”
John Barker, Senior Development Director, Newlands Developments said: “Newlands Developments were delighted to sign the partnership agreement at UKREiiF supporting the delivery of the Huntingdon Defence Cluster and Project Fairfax. Newlands are bringing forward a new industrial and logistics development at Newlands Park, Huntingdon which will accelerate growth in the North Huntingdon Opportunity Zone creating high quality jobs and much needed employment space in the region. It is great to be working in partnership with HDC, CPCA, MOD and other private sector partners in unlocking the significant opportunity in the region.”
Rob Bridge, Chief Executive, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, said: “This agreement marks a significant step forward for Project FAIRFAX, supporting growth in our economy, creating jobs and attracting world class innovation to Huntingdonshire and the wider region.
“Building our defence and advanced manufacturing sectors is central to our Local Growth Plan. And Project FAIRFAX sits in the North Hunts Growth Cluster – a brand-new opportunity zone where we're focusing investment to unlock jobs, homes, and infrastructure. This agreement shows what can happen when we come together locally, with Government, to unlock opportunity.
“Project FAIRFAX will deliver real benefits for local people and supports our ambition to triple the size of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough economy.”
The Partnership Agreement reflects a shared commitment to work collaboratively to support the delivery of the Huntingdonshire Defence Cluster, strengthen the case for future investment and coordinate the infrastructure, skills and economic opportunities required to realise the project's long-term ambitions.
