Plans for economic development of Plymouth's northern parts gather pace

More jobs, training, meeting places, community enterprises and services could be coming to the north of Plymouth as plans for a community economic development trust (CEDT) gather pace.

Residents in Ernesettle, Honicknowle, West Park, Manadon and Whitleigh are being invited to a series of events to get a feel for what difference an economic development trust could make to their lives and their neighbourhood.

The Council is hoping to put control of buildings and land back into hands of the community so that they can use them to create enterprises, jobs, skills and opportunities for community-run services. It hopes that a community economic development trust in the north of Plymouth will not only will help give people more control of where they live, but will unlock potential and help support people develop and run businesses.

The Council has identified 11 sites and buildings which the trust could potentially run. One possible site – a former residential home on Whitleigh Green, will be open to help people visualise how a community economic development trust might work.

The Council and local residents working together aim to get the trust to stand on its own feet, with income from property and land (for example, renting out business space or creating business opportunities). They also want to hear ideas for possible enterprises such as small community businesses, employment and training services, and understand what services and facilities are needed by the community.

Early discussions with members of the community have sparked a number of ideas, such as using skills already in the community, help with small scale enterprises, better use of space for recreation or allotments, creating apprenticeships.

The events are part of Co-operative Fortnight – which will explain how the Council is working towards being a ‘brilliant co-operative Council’and looks at activities going on in Plymouth where organisations and residents are working together.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Cooperatives and Communities, said: “This is how a co-operative Council works with its community. This is about laying the foundations for exciting ideas to happen.

“It’s about working with people rather than doing things to them. We want to change lives – help create jobs, facilities and find out what our residents think are the most issues for their area and how to work with them to achieve results.”

Events are being planned so that people can find out more about how the trusts work and what difference it could make to their lives.

• Saturday 22 June from 11am to 2pm - Woodland Fort Healthy and Wealthy Fun Day
• Tuesday 25 June from 3.30pm to 6pm - Whitleigh Green
• 3pm - Coffee in St Chad Church Hall
• 4pm - Talks from representatives from successful social enterprise and organisations that are run as cooperatives
• 5pm - Tours of possible location for the proposed CEDT at former Whitleigh care home
• Friday 28 June from 3.30pm to 5pm - Knowle Primary School Fayre
• Tuesday 2 July from 3pm to 6pm - Crownhill Library
• Wednesday 3 July from 1.30pm to 4.30pm - Ernesettle Library
• Thursday 5 July from 3pm to 5.30pm - Honicknowle Youth Centre

The north west of the city has a higher than city average unemployment rate, with young people bearing the brunt of a weak labour market. It has been identified as an area where people have significantly less education, skills and training.

The Council has been developing a more co-operative approach with the aim of putting power back in the hands of local residents and boosting the city’s economy. It is hoping to give people greater control over their lives, the services they receive and the amenities they use, as well as tackle inequality of opportunity.

CEDTs are independent organisations set up to create local jobs and make best use of local assets, while investing surpluses back into the local communities, supporting community development and providing business development advice. The city already has two successful community economic development trusts at Wolseley Road and Millfields.