Creating a successful new development is not just about building high quality homes and amenities; equally important is building a cohesive new community. The government recognises this in its vision for the Big Society and is empowering communities to build better neighbourhoods. Nowhere is this better illustrated than at Graylingwell Park in Chichester, where the Chichester Community Development Trust (CCDT), a charity comprising residents and stakeholders, is providing a range of services to encourage a green lifestyle and to bring residents and the wider community closer together, as well as promoting training, education and local business activities.
Jane Haskins, CCDT’s community development officer, plays a key part in this activity. Born in Chichester, Jane has lived in the area for more than 50 years and is very proud of her home town. Jane says: “I love welcoming new residents to Graylingwell Park and working with them to create a happy and sustainable community. I can even give people advice on how to lower their carbon footprint and save money!”
Part of Jane’s role includes promoting greener ways of travelling. She comments: “I’m delighted that the new bus service from Graylingwell Park to town and the train station is being well used, which saves not only high fuel costs but also car park charges. Linden Homes has given residents in phase one vouchers to buy bicycles and over the next twelve months we hope to introduce a community car club, linked to a similar club being planned in Chichester.”
With environmental sustainability and community at its heart, Graylingwell Park will have an orchard, farm shop, community hall and even allotments for residents to grow their own food.
Events at Graylingwell Park, in which Jane plays a pivotal role, provide opportunities to meet others and be part of the community. Last year’s successful summer garden party and Scouts children’s day attracted around 2,000 people and raised more than £6,500 for local charity Children on the Edge and local Scout groups.
Future activities in the pipeline include family craft workshops, mother and baby coffee mornings and nature walks. Jane has even introduced the community to her personal interest, Nordic walking, which makes the most of the glorious natural surroundings.
Following the success of the Royal Wedding street party last April, Jane is planning another street party for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Set within 85 acres of parkland, Graylingwell Park is less than a mile from Chichester city centre. This award-winning scheme, which is being developed jointly by Linden Homes, Affinity Sutton and the Homes & Communities Agency, is the UK’s largest carbon neutral development. High quality, energy-efficient homes are set in beautiful surroundings with nature trails and plenty of green open spaces.
For more information on the private homes or to register your interest in the new phase of refurbished and newly built apartments and houses, due to launch in spring, call Linden Homes on 01243 781494.
All the homes in the first phase available on a shared ownership basis are now sold. For more information or to register your interest in the new part buy/part rent refurbished and newly built apartments and houses launching in the spring, contact Affinity Sutton on 0300 100 0303 or email sales@affinitysutton.com.
Information about Graylingwell Park can also be found on www.graylingwellpark.com.
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For further information, contact Nikki Ackerley or Emma Stevens at Property House Marketing on 01483 561119.
References to “we”, “us” or “our” are to the part of the Vistry Group (including Linden Homes, Bovis Homes, Countryside Homes, Drew Smith, Vistry Ventures or one of Vistry’s joint venture companies) from which you are intending to purchase a new home. References to "you” and “your” are to the prospective buyer or buyers of a new home from us.
All images are used for illustrative purposes only and are representative only. They may not be the same as the actual home you purchase and the specification may differ. Images may be of a slightly different model of home and may include optional upgrades and extras which involve additional cost. Individual features such as windows, brick, carpets, paint and other material colours may vary and also the specification of fittings may vary. Any furnishings and furniture are not included in any sale. Please check with our sales consultants for details of the exact specifications available at the development(s) for each type of home and the associated prices.
