Creating community in New Lubbesthorpe
Evaluation of Lubbesthorpe Alive
Goodlabs has just completed a fascinating evaluation project focused on a brand new community being built on a 400 hectare site on the Western edge of Leicester.
New Lubbesthorpe is, in construction development terms, an Urban Extension. More recently the literature around Urban Extensions has begun to evolve to give greater acknowledgement to social and environmental concerns, alongside physical infrastructure requirements. This is very much the aspiration for developments like New Lubbesthorpe. The language is therefore evolving with the emergence of a new term: ‘Sustainable Urban Extension’.
Our task was to look back at the effect of a pioneering six-year project designed to accelerate the growth of real local community in the new housing estate. The new community was the vision of local landowner Fred Drummond. Mr Drummond, spoke of building a vibrant community on his 1000 acre (400 hectare) site. It would be a place that people would want to live, work, learn and play. Mr Drummond sadly died before he was able to see his dream become a reality but the Drummond Trust continue his legacy. Vital to the new community’s connection to the city of Leicester is a new road bridge over the busy M1 motorway. At its official opening the bridge was Christened “Fred's bridge” with engrave plaques at either end. There is also carved wooden fish in front of the Primary school as a memorial showing off his love of salmon fishing.
The lead organisation for the community development work was Churches Together in Leicestershire, which eventually developed a locally-operated nonprofit through which to operate: Lubbesthorpe Alive CIC. We found that a major contribution to the life of New Lubbesthorpe had been made, by connecting people to one another, as well as to the tapestry of places and spaces that make up their new home.
Some of our key findings included:
Our residents’ survey showed that a genuine sense of community has been developed. 94% agreed that New Lubbesthorpe has a strong sense of community.
The value of making and maintaining strong partnerships. In this case with Blaby District Council, the Drummond Estate and the housebuilders (Redrow, David Wilson, Barratt).
Sustainable communities require key people and amenities to serve as the glue that bonds communities together. The promotion and facilitation of social interaction substantially enhances quality of life for residents.
New models of seasonal celebration have been important. Events marking festivals and seasons became important in the life and rhythm of the community. Demand has risen and crowds have got bigger. A culture of connection around these shared markers of the year is emerging.
Special concern and responsiveness must be shown to residents of new social housing units. A construction sector professional commented, "Our industry can be quite poor at anticipating the issues that tenants can bring to the community".
If you have a project that requires an external evaluation drop us a line to arrange a chat about it. Email: impact@goodlabs.uk