A YEAR IN CAMP HILL
2009
CONTENTS 3 INTRODUCTION AND MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIRMAN, PETER YOUNG
4-5 PEOPLE
6-7 PLACES
8-11 PROSPERITY
12-13 RECOGNITION
14 LOOKING TO THE FUTURE – KEY PRIORITIES FOR 2010/11
15 2009 IN NUMBERS
2009 has been a pivotal year for the PinCH project which, despite the broader economic challenges, has brought change and progress at an exciting rate. The annual review shows that we have so much to be proud of across a whole scope of areas – new GP led health clinic, vibrant village heart, more opportunities for jobs and skills improvement, community projects and national award recognition.
can be proud of. High quality design is a critical factor for the Bluebell development and we have considered inspiring designs to help create a real sense of place that will stand the test of time. There have been some significant changes to the team as well; the PinCH team, together with the CHEERs team moved to allow the demolition of the old Camp Hill Community Office in Ramsden Avenue. A clear ‘front line’ service has been developed at the Camp Hill Family Community Care Centre building, which has enabled the project to provide a more accessible, proactive, customer focused approach as we move through the final phase of the physical development.
that their influence and hard work has helped drive the successes of the PinCH project. My job now is to maintain and build on this momentum. The PinCH Board has agreed to work towards a neighbourhood partnership approach – the aspiration to bring partners together to deliver improved services and address locally agreed priorities. There is much to celebrate, with new exciting challenges ahead. The vision has always been to meet the needs of the present, and be sustainable into the future. We will continue to promote best practice, and make sure that local people are at the heart of what we deliver.
This year we also bid farewell to Colin Ball, former project director and Julie Smith, project manager. Both have worked on the project for almost 10 years. I’m sure many will agree
Chris Egan PinCH Programme Manager
Change continues to be possibly the most used word in Camp Hill.
It is now more than ten years since I personally became involved in the regeneration of Camp Hill, and I think the past twelve months have seen some of the most dramatic changes for the community as a whole.
Pride in Camp Hill has also seen changes, with the departure of Colin Ball and Julie Smith, two stalwarts of the project, to whom the Board would like to extend its wholehearted thanks for their efforts and enthusiasm.
Barely a day goes by without some aspect of life in the area changing, whether it be new homes emerging from the ground, new residents moving into the area or another new community event or service beginning.
The feeling of true pride in the area continues to emerge, more and more residents are wanting to be involved in creating a great place to live, work and bring up a family, and it is the changes we have been able to make that are enabling the re-creation of a true community.
I am sure the next ten years will continue to see change in Camp Hill and we will all be able to look back at what changes have taken place, but with the knowledge that Camp Hill is now not just a better place to live but a GREAT place to live!
The development agreement and the naming of Phase 3 Bluebell site has been a huge milestone that Camp Hill
Peter Young Independent Chairman
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Camp Hill Festival went with a swing in early August 2009 with over 1000 people attending over the course of the day.
“It went very well and I was especially pleased by all the comments I received about how polite and friendly the people of Camp Hill were, especially the young people.” Maggie Smith, Festival Organiser. 24 young people from Camp Hill enjoyed a fantastic week away in the summer of 2009, thanks to the Camp Hill Children’s Holiday Scheme. The Camp Hill Residents’ Forum’s own fundraising efforts were supplemented by a number of donations, including gifts from Nuneaton’s Round Table and Heart of England Co-op.
“It is immensely fulfilling to see so many youngsters given a chance to enjoy an activity holiday – something the families involved are unable to afford.” Camp Hill Residents’ Forum member.
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There have also been some great links between the Residents’ Forum and the Community Pay Back scheme, who are working together to clear overhanging vegetation and graffiti across the Camp Hill area. The Friends of Whittleford Park have continued to work closely with The Phase 3 Bluebell developers Barratt Merica on proposals for a ‘balancing basin’ at Whittleford Park. The balancing basin is designed to assist the drainage of water from the new development in this area already prone to flooding during wet weather while also has the added value of providing a sanctuary for local wildlife. Camp Hill Community Chest was launched in March 2010 - £40,000 was made available for community projects in Camp Hill, as part of the Barratt / PinCH Community Engagement Strategy. The re-launch of Camp Hill’s own Credit Union collection point has proved a hit, with a number of people attending the launch event, and several new accounts opened too. The new play area at Stubbs Pool has been a huge hit with children since its opening earlier this year.
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PLACES Renaissance Phase 2
Bluebell Phase 3
The Camp Hill skyline continued to change with the demolition of the old shops on Cedar Road and former Camp Hill Community Office, to make way for new homes as part of the Phase 2 Lovell development.
Despite the difficult economic climate, Pride in Camp Hill and its partners worked hard in 2009 to ensure the completion of the development agreement with Barratt for Phase 3 of the redevelopment, named ‘Bluebell’ by a local resident.
The village centre shopping area began to take shape to complement the CHESS building. This important stage in the regeneration provided a real boost to the area, and local jobs, with the Co-op and Post Office relocating to new premises and Boots and Extra Care charitable trust setting up in other units. In addition a new GP Led Health Centre on Ramsden Avenue was opened in October 2009 by Health Minister and MP at the time, Mike O’Brien. Open from 8am to 8pm, 7days a week, the centre offers a much improved service for the residents of Camp Hill. Building of the new homes on Renaissance continued with the support of the Homes and Communities Agency’s Kick-Start programme, which provides additional funding for affordable housing. Lovell Homes opened up their new show homes on Hornbeam Close in May 2009.
Bromford Housing were officially named as the Registered Social Landlord, who will drive forward Barratt Mercia’s affordable housing provision. The Barratt Mercia / PinCH / Bromford Housing Community Engagement Plan was launched, which will see the local Community Chest get underway, with youth activities, arts projects and environmental projects. Since contract exchange things have moved at a lightening pace as detailed planning permission was granted for the first stage of new homes and Barratt Mercia moved onto site Bluebell in October 2009. Barratt Mercia hosted a prestigious ‘sod cutting event’ and opened their temporary sales office during November 2009 and the new show homes are due to open in May 2010. The Opportunities Centre was extended as part of Barratt Mercia’s Skills and Training package which formed part of the development agreement. The PinCH team and NBBC housing continue to work with existing residents on a phased basis across the Phase 3 site to help them find alternative accommodation. Demolition of the old houses is on-going. The programme has successfully rehoused 55 residents between April 2009 and October 2009.
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“Flowers are a sign of life and renewal, which is just what is happening. Bluebells can grow in some harsh and adverse conditions, which is another reason why it is so appropriate for Camp Hill, because life and hope has sprung from what was a tired area of the town.” Anne Corbett, Local Resident that named the Bluebell development.
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PROSPERITY The regeneration of Camp Hill isn’t just creating a new look for the estate – it’s creating new opportunities for residents too, including new local jobs for local people. New shops and community facilities have provided opportunities for local jobs, and in the summer of 2009, three local ladies were celebrating. Kelly Boneham started work in the Camp Hill Education Sports and Social centre (CHESS), Elli Duggan became the manager of the newly opened Extra Care shop in the new Camp Hill Village Centre and Beryl Jones started her new job at the Heart of England Co-op.
“I was quite excited when I applied for this job, and I was really excited when I got it!” Elli Duggan, Manager of Camp Hill’s Extra Care shop. 2009 saw Barratt Mercia launch their Skills and Training programme, which forms part of the Phase 3 Development Agreement and is aimed at increasing the employability potential of Camp Hill Residents. This programme involved the expansion of The Opportunities Centre on Pool Road Industrial Estate to provide further training opportunities. The Skills and Training programme has three key areas of training provision; Adult Work Experience Placements, a C.A.M.S (Construction and Multi Skills) programme aimed at 14-16 year olds and an Apprenticeship Programme.
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“Students will gain a nationallyaccredited qualification and demonstrate to employers that they have also learnt skills such as team work.” Nigel Bond, Opportunities Centre Manager. The 2009 Opportunities Centre Achievement of the Year Award was presented to Stefan Frainfer from Alderman Smith School after completing a multi-skills construction course. During the recent and economic challenges, CHEERs have been busier than ever assisting residents to search for jobs, update their CV’s and giving assistance to new businesses setting up in the area. CHEERs have also been continuing to work closely with Barratt Mercia to monitor and encourage the use of local labour on site. CHEERs supported many projects, people into work and new business start ups. Some highlights include: • 119 new people received employment support • Over 70 people receive ongoing employment support each month • Business Support: 2 new ones and ongoing support to over 30 local businesses • 5 jobs created • 4 jobs safeguarded • 6 businesses started and surviving 12 months • 5 businesses showing growth
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Midland Quarry Phase 4
In order to address these issues several Quality of Life initiatives have been introduced including:
Midland Quarry, a former quartzite and diorite quarry which has laid dormant since its closure in 1984, achieved a significant milestone in its regeneration when new industrial units were completed in 2009.
Vegetation Management – a contract is in place with Camp Hill Gardening Scheme Ltd to replace overgrown vegetation throughout the Phase 3 site, including void gardens and public rights of way.
Arleigh International, Europe’s largest supplier of accessories and spares for holiday homes, took up one of the new industrial units at Century Park in February 2009 bringing a real boost to the areas economy.
Bulky Waste Scheme – Camp Hill Residents have continued to benefit from a FREE Bulky Waste collection service, a partnership scheme supported by Pride in Camp Hill and Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council.
There was also an event in early 2009 which showcased plans for the development, which includes new homes, infrastructure and business units as well as leisure facilities and environmental improvements.
Skip Schemes – Pride in Camp Hill and Camp Hill Residents Forum organise regular skip days aimed at ‘hot spot’ areas with the specific aim of reducing fly-tipping. The schemes offer residents the opportunity to get rid of their unwanted items for free.
Redrow Homes started on site in early 2010, beginning works for the new road layout and laying the foundations for the new “heritage” range of homes. The Midland Quarry site also won two Innovation in Civil Engineering (ICE) Awards, which recognise achievement and long-term contribution within the field of Civil Engineering.
Quality of Life As the re-housing programme continues across the Phase 3 area of the regeneration, Pride in Camp Hill knows how important it is to maintain the quality of life for residents living in the Phase 3 area during the redevelopment process, and to ensure their specific concerns are addressed. In addition, maintenance of the later stages of the Phase 3 area is vital in order to protect the positive image being created by the new developments to encourage new residents and businesses to re-locate to Camp Hill. In short, areas which are to be demolished and redeveloped over the coming years must not be ignored or forgotten about.
Void Property Management – Pride in Camp Hill are continually working with our security contractors to improve security of void properties, identifying weak spots and amending specifications as required. This area of work is dependant on the local community keeping the project team informed of any breaches of security on the void properties. Arson Reduction – We do everything possible to reduce the instances of arson across the Camp Hill area including active removal of combustible materials such as fly-tipping and wooden outbuildings at void properties, improving security and ensuring efficient demolition of properties. Fly-tipping – through regular visual audits, fly-tipping is identified and cleared proactively. We also work with Environmental Health at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council with a view to prosecuting fly-tippers where sufficient evidence exists.
“We have a shared vision of transforming not just buildings but the way people feel about Camp Hill.” Chris Egan, Programme Manager Pride in Camp Hill.
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Pride in Camp Hill understands the importance of external recognition of the work that goes on in Camp Hill in terms of raising the profile of the project, instilling a sense of Pride for existing and new communities and attracting new investment to the area. Therefore we are proud of the national praise the project has received in 2009, including: • Community Partnership Awards 2010 winner for the Best Housing, Construction and Infrastructure Category, and runner up for the Best Regeneration Partnership. • Regeneration and Renewal short listed in the top 100 projects based on value in the UK. • MJ Awards (short listed) - The Pride in Camp Hill regeneration project was nationally recognised, with news that Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council had been short listed for the prestigious MJ (Municipal Journal) Achievement awards in the Regeneration achievement category. • Nuneaton and Bedworth BC Corporate Area Assessment (CAA). PinCH project is commended by the Audit Commission. • Midland Quarry won two titles at the ICE Midlands Awards – the ICE Midlands Geotechnical Award. Judges recognised the work combined technical innovation, recycling on a grand scale and careful construction to turn two derelict sites into valuable development land.
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Sharing Best Practice Last year saw a visit from the Homes and Communities Agency’s Chief Executive Sir Bob Kerslake, who was interested in seeing how the funding from the Homes and Communities Agency was making a real difference and positive to the area. In addition Pride in Camp Hill hosted visits from residents and officers from Stoke City Council and Coventry’s Neighbourhood Management, who were interested in the physical and social regeneration of the area and the links the project had with the community.
“Taking on board peoples thoughts and ideas brings more pride in the area that they live and in turn a closer, better community.” Stoke Resident.
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Phase 2 Village Centre Completion of new Kick Start housing (Ramsden Avenue and Cedar Road Shops site), and supporting Lovell on increasing sales potential for Phase 2 and commercial interest in Village Centre.
Phase 3 Bluebell This year we will see exciting developments for Bluebell with the marketing suite launch and also the first residents moving into their new homes. There will also be preparation work for the planning application for the next stage of the phase 3 site. Working in partnership with Barratt and the Opportunities Centre to launch the Skills and Training Programme.
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Quality of Life Continuing to support the interim management plan to ensure that quality of life is maintained during the preparation of the redevelopment of the Phase 3 area.
One Camp Hill Promoting One Camp Hill to address issues of disparity between new development areas and the existing areas-blurring the edges between the old and the new through high quality public realm.
Supporting the Camp Hill Residents’ Forum Encouraging and maintaining resident involvement is always going to be a key challenge for PinCH.
Neighbourhood Coordination delivery programme Working to bring partners together to deliver improved services and address the locally agreed priorities of: • Health and encouraging residents to present themselves early with symptoms to health professionals • Unemployment • Housing and addressing the disparities in service provision based on tenure and landlord • Widening participation and encouraging residents to get involved in opportunities across the Camp Hill area. • Improving educational attainment.
2009 IN NUMBERS Pride in Camp Hill and its partners have helped to deliver:
24 5 3
4
Local Children who took advantage of the Camp Hill Children’s Holiday Scheme
57
Business showing growth
70
New Houses Built
119 Clearances of Fly-tipping
Phase 3 Skip Days
5 58,000 348 Jobs created
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Jobs safeguarded
Over 70 people receiving ongoing employment support each month
Business Support: 2 new ones and ongoing support to over 30 local businesses
New people received employment support
22
New Apartments Built
Environmental Improvement projects
sq ft of industrial space built at Midland Quarry
55 6 68
Free Bulky Waste collections for Camp Hill residents
Residents assisted into alternative accommodation
Businesses started and surviving 12 months Properties demolished
“You can really feel the excitement in this community as you walk around.” Sir Bob Kerslake, Chief Executive for the Homes and Communities Agency.
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T 024 7639 9093 www.prideincamphill.co.uk
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Camp Hill Family Community Care Centre Ramsden Avenue Camp Hill Nuneaton CV10 9EB