Monday 2 July 2007
Community spirit scoops award

A leading affordable housing provider has won a top award for helping to put the community spirit into new developments.

Housing association bpha scooped the National Black and New Communities Network Award for its work at new homes sites across the region.

The award recognises in particular the association's community work at Arbury Park, a 900-home development near Cambridge.

bpha is working in partnership with South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambridge City Council and a consortium of housing associations including  Places for People, King Street Housing Trust and Papworth Trust  to provide affordable homes at Arbury Park.

bpha is taking the lead in the site's community development, having worked successfully with residents at other housing developments across the region.

The award follow's bpha's appointment of a dedicated community development officer for the development, to work with new and prospective residents, and those living near to the site. The post has been joint-funded by South Cambridgeshire District Council and the housing associations.

Cllr Daphne Spink MBE, portfolio holder for housing at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "We are delighted to have worked in partnership with bpha, to offer support to new residents in the implementation of the role of community development officer, working across the whole development.

"South Cambridgeshire District Council feels that creating community spirit within new developments is very important to ensure that residents feel part of where they live."

Community development officer, Abbie Mason, was appointed in January this year, shortly before the first residents moved in. Since then she has been working with residents and local groups to help develop a sense of community as new homes take shape.

Following an information day, when existing and prospective residents could find out more about plans for the new school, community facilities and affordable housing, Abbie has been helping new residents find their feet.

She has developed a welcome pack featuring local information, and organised events to help people get to know their neighbours and promote a sense of community.

As a result of these efforts, one resident has already set up a website about Arbury Park, another is set to join the parish council and a third has already become a governor for the new school.

Cllr Catherine Smart, executive councillor for housing at Cambridge City Council, said: "I am very pleased that this important work has been recognised as having value.

"People talking to people is the basis of any community and it is especially important to get those conversations going in a new one.

"The City Council has been pleased to have taken part in this partnership with bpha and I am particularly glad that the Community Development Officer has been working across all housing tenures as a true community includes everyone in an area.

"We all want Arbury Park to be a true community and a place where people are happy to live."

The award is one of a number made annually by the NBNC Network to recognise good practice in resident involvement.

Mr Brown said: "The award to bpha was made in the category of creating sustainable communities and is an excellent example of this work.

"bpha's work at Arbury Park is a model of good practice that others can learn from. I hope it will be replicated across the country."

Arbury's community development officer, Abbie Mason,  said: "At bpha we are committed to building communities. That means working with all residents, regardless of whether they are renting an affordable home, or buying privately.

"Developing new homes is about so much more than bricks and mortar. Large new developments such as Arbury Park can feel soulless unless work is put in to promote a sense of community.

"That is down to grassroots activity, such as making people feel welcome and supporting them to form local groups to set their own priorities. Arbury is shaping up to be a really fun place to be, and I look forward to working with many more new residents over the coming years."

The affordable homes at Arbury Park will be offered at a mix of affordable rents to those on the housing waiting list, and through shared ownership to help people get a foot on the property ladder. Of the 125 shared ownership homes, a total of 20 per cent will be made available to key workers - vital frontline public sector staff such as nurses and teachers.