Ravenswood charter concept

A truly sustainable neighbourhood cannot exist in isolation and should involve the wider community.

That was the philosophy behind the planning for the creation of Ravenswood, the new community in the South West of Ipswich. Now its success is the subject of a new publication, just launched.

When creating Ravenswood, Ipswich Borough Council and housebuilder Bellway Homes decided to work in partnership to provide not just a vibrant new community but one whose very creation would enhance and help the existing community by providing local people with local jobs and skills-training and local companies with the opportunity to tender.

Now the idea behind this exemplary working arrangement, known as The Ravenswood Charter, has been summarised in a document which both Bellway and Ipswich Borough Council will serve as a blueprint for future schemes both in Ipswich and beyond. The document summarising the key aspects of the scheme is now published on the Ipswich Borough Council website and is downloadable from ipswich.gov.uk/Downloads/Ravenswood+Charter.htm

Commenting on the Ravenswood Charter, a spokesman for the Ravenswood Steering Group said: “It worked because it was positive, appealing to all parties involved and voluntary in nature. It worked because it made sense. The Charter was an innovative partnership between housebuilder and the Council. It has meant that in Ravenswood we have created not just new homes with community amenities but a truly positive outcome for those involved in its creation, too.”