A major part of the Green Spaces for People portfolio is the involvement of local people in the design, development and future use of the spaces. Each partner organisation has a strong track record of community engagement and we are using this experience to ensure local people are involved in the delivery of the portfolio.

The consultation programme includes a range of activities such as local meetings, community questionnaires, planning and design workshops, food and music events, children's design competitions and organised tours of other projects to demonstrate good practice.

Residents have also been involved in the selection of landscape architects responsible for designing and building the spaces.

By the start of 2010, 287 community consultation events had been held, involving 8,480 people. More than 17,000 people have been involved in community activities and events on completed projects. The majority of the portfolio's capital works will be delivered in 2010/11with 16 projects currently completed and an additional six under construction. In addition, nine jobs have been created and three social enterprises have been established.

Residents will not only be involved in the planning and design of these spaces, they will also be encouraged to manage and develop them further, creating a real sense of ownership and pride in the community.

As part of this initiative, the partners will share best practice with other housing organisations and resident groups to ensure that similar green spaces can be developed elsewhere.