Norwood announces plan to redevelop Ravenswood care village

Norwood has announced plans to redevelop its Ravenswood care village in Berkshire, continuing its provision for people with learning disabilities and neurodevelopmental conditions on part of the area, while selling another part for residential development.

The site is home to people with learning disabilities and features an indoor hydrotherapy pool, coffee shop, riding school, and dance and art studios.

The project is intended to create modern, fit-for-purpose accommodation for current and future care residents, with the hope it ensures Norwood remains sustainable for all the children, adults, and families supported across its wider services.

This decision comes after the planned sale to another care provider failed to move forward in 2022; this recent review was driven by the increasing financial pressures of running and maintaining the site, evolving care commissioning requirements, and the changing needs and preferences of the Jewish community.

Miles Webber, chair of Norwood, said: “I’m delighted to share that the board has agreed in principle to retain and redevelop Ravenswood Village as part of its 230-year legacy of service to the Jewish community”, adding that the organisation’s vision “is to create a modern, vibrant care community that meets the highest standards of support while ensuring Norwood remains sustainable for everyone that we support.”

Naomi Dickson, chief executive of Norwood, added: “Ravenswood has been a cornerstone of Norwood’s care for decades, and this redevelopment represents our hopes for its future. This is the start of a journey, not the end. We will work closely with residents, families and staff every step of the way to make this transition as smooth and positive as possible. Throughout this period of change, the wellbeing and high-quality care of every Ravenswood resident will remain our priority.”

Both the sale of land and securing planning permission for both developments will form a crucial part of enabling the Ravenswood project to proceed; detailed planning applications and timelines are still to be developed.