Housing 21 is set to share lessons from delivering what is believed to be the UK’s first housing association-led cohousing scheme during an online webinar on 3 September.
Delivered in partnership with the UK Cohousing Network, the session will offer practical insight for housing providers interested in community-led housing models.
Titled UK Housing Associations Delivering Cohousing: A UK First, the webinar will explore the development of Rupali Court in Birmingham, a pioneering cohousing-inspired community for older people that was designed to foster social connection and resident involvement.
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Rupali Court was developed in collaboration with prospective residents, who helped influence the layout, design and finishes of both apartments and shared spaces. Residents were also involved in choosing the scheme’s name, with Rupali translating to ‘silver’ in Bengali.
Housing 21’s webinar will feature speakers from across the project team, including:
• Steph Ramsden, Director of Acquisitions, Sales and Partnerships at
Housing 21
• Dawn Carr, Cohousing Partnerships Manager at Housing 21
• Harry Randhawa, Director, Triangle Architects
• Owen Jarvis, Chief Executive of the UK Cohousing Network
Attendees will hear about the strategic thinking behind the development, the role of resident engagement and co-design, and how lessons from Rupali Court could inform future community-led housing projects.
Dawn Carr, Cohousing Partnerships Manager at Housing 21, said: “Creating thriving communities is what makes great homes truly successful. Residents have played a central role in shaping Rupali Court and we’ve learned a great deal through that process.
“We’re looking forward to sharing those lessons with colleagues across the housing sector and exploring how community-led approaches can help create stronger, more connected communities.”
Owen Jarvis, Chief Executive of the UK Cohousing Network, said: “Housing 21’s work at Rupali Court represents an important milestone for cohousing in the UK, demonstrating how its principles can be successfully incorporated within a housing association setting.
“This webinar provides a valuable opportunity for housing professionals to hear directly from those involved and consider how similar approaches might be applied elsewhere.”
The webinar will take place online on 3 September from 12.30pm to 2pm. Tickets are available via Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/uk-housing-associations-delivering-cohousing-a-uk-first-tickets-1988925248960
