Ravenswood is a district within Ipswich, Suffolk, UK. It is sited on the old Ipswich Airport to the south-east of the town.
The area is one experiencing rapid growth in housing numbers from private housing developers. In total, 1,250 houses and apartments are likely to be built[1] with an affordable housing ratio of 30%.
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The development has built with environmental considerations. to be environmentally sensitive. Space for cars has been limited, with speed bumps and other traffic calming measures, a frequent bus service links to the town centre. Mixed cycle paths and walkways are also a feature. Incorporated into the design of the buildings and sewers is a sustainable urban drainage system which allows rainfall to be returned to the environment without going through the sewerage system. Plans are in early stages for the construction of a large wind turbine on Ravenswood.[2][3]
A number of pieces of public art have been installed or commissioned: "Formation" by Rick Kirby at the entrance, designed to commemorate the areas links with aviation; "Handstanding" by Martin Heron near the school; "Green Wind 2" by Diane Maclean as a focal point beyond the end of Downham Boulevard on the Tump; and "Propeller" by Harry Gray has been placed adjacent to the green.[4]
Ravenswood contains a primary school, sports centre and an NHS independent care centre, called Bluebird Lodge. A retirement home named after Jamie Cann the MP for Ipswich who died in 2001 is also in the area. Behind the former terminal building, which has been converted into apartments, a small shopping centre has been built. There is one pub, The Raven.
Near to Ravenswood is Orwell Country Park, the Orwell Bridge, touring and static caravan parks, a Scouting and Girl Guides camp site, and a nine-hole pay and play golf course.