City of Lincoln Council has launched a five-year commitment to work with residents and partners on the Ermine to deliver long-term improvements shaped by the community.
The Ermine Place Shaping Framework sets out a shared vision for the neighbourhood, bringing together residents, community groups, local organisations and partner agencies around priorities for the next five years.
The launch event was opened by Narissa Sykes, Chair of the Ermine Community Partnership, who helped set the tone for the day by highlighting the importance of residents helping shape the future of the area.
Developed through extensive resident engagement, the framework aims to build on the Ermine’s strong community spirit while tackling issues including poverty, housing quality, anti-social behaviour, connectivity and access to opportunity.
Steve Kemp, Executive Director of OpenPlan, gave an overview of the framework during the event, outlining its long-term ambitions and focus on practical improvements for the neighbourhood.
The council’s Neighbourhood Team will help deliver this work alongside the Ermine Community Partnership and other organisations already supporting the area.
It highlights the Ermine’s strengths as a “village in a city” and sets out practical priorities including better housing, support for young people and families, improved green spaces, stronger community safety, and better connections across the estate and the wider city.
Over the past year, the Neighbourhood Team has supported community groups, installed CCTV, secured £104,000 through the Social Housing Innovation Fund and launched Ermine News, delivered to thousands of homes.
Paul Carrick, City of Lincoln Council’s Neighbourhood Manager, and Simon Nicoll from Alive Church also spoke at the launch event, outlining the progress already made in the area and the impact of partnership working within the community.
The event also highlighted the success of the Ermine Exchange community hub, delivered by Alive Church Lincoln and funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. In 10 months, the hub has recorded more than 12,000 community engagements, reached more than 3,000 residents and hosted over 165 activities and events.
A new Ermine Community Fund was also announced, giving residents a direct say in how £15,000 will be spent on projects such as community events, activities for children and families, and improvements to green spaces and the local environment.
During the event, Rachel Taylor from the council’s Neighbourhood Team and Narissa Sykes also launched the new Ermine Community Partnership logo following a competition at both local primary schools, Ermine Academy and Our Lady of Lincoln Catholic School, with four winning designs selected and each child receiving a £25 prize.
Cllr Naomi Tweddle, Leader of City of Lincoln Council and councillor for Minster Ward, said:
“This launch marks a long-term commitment to work with the Ermine community on the changes that matter most to local people.
“As someone who grew up on the Ermine and still lives here, I know the area has a strong identity, valued green spaces and real community spirit.
“By embedding our Neighbourhood Team in the area over the next five years, we can listen, back local ideas, and help turn that potential into practical improvements.”
Cllr Donald Nannestad, Portfolio Holder for Quality Housing at City of Lincoln Council and councillor for Castle Ward, added:
“The work already underway on the Ermine shows what can be achieved when residents, community groups and organisations work together.
“This framework gives us a clear basis for improving homes, neighbourhood spaces and opportunities for local people over the coming years.”
Hamish Falconer, MP for Lincoln, also spoke at the event and said:
“Communities thrive when local people are at the heart of shaping their future, and that’s exactly what this framework is about.
“The Ermine has a strong identity and a real sense of community pride. By bringing residents, community groups and organisations together around a shared plan, this long-term commitment can help deliver practical improvements and create more opportunities for local people over the years ahead.”
Narissa Sykes, Chair of the Ermine Community Partnership, stated:
“As both a resident and Chair of the Ermine Community Partnership Board, I’m proud to be part of something that brings people together to create positive opportunities for our community. The passion and support already being shown has been incredible to see.”
The framework focuses on five key themes: supporting the community, education and employment opportunities, homes and housing, green spaces and the environment, and improving movement and connectivity across the area.
Residents, community organisations and partner agencies will continue working together to shape and deliver projects over the next five years, with the framework intended to guide practical improvements across the neighbourhood.