Land earmarked for city’s first co-housing projects

Land has been earmarked to provide Birmingham’s first co-housing projects for older people.

Birmingham City Council, in partnership with Housing 21, a not-for-profit provider of housing and care for older people of modest means, has identified sites in Lozells and Saltley.

Co-housing communities aim to promote the benefits of living in a community setting, while also tackling social isolation which can impact older people.

Housing 21 and Birmingham City Council have identified development areas on Chain Walk in Lozells, and Washwood Heath Road in Saltley, for the projects.

Approximately 25 homes per scheme will be developed, each a self-contained, private home with access to on-site communal facilities.

Tony Tench, chief operating officer at Housing 21 said: “We are delighted to be working with Birmingham City Council to provide new co-housing schemes which reflect the ethnic diversity of the city and the changing requirements of older people.

“We have a great opportunity to help older people in Saltley and Lozells decide what their future homes should look like. Everything, from management and communal space, to style and design, will be decided by future residents.

“We want to work with as many local people as possible and look forward to hearing from those interested in getting involved.”

Cllr Sharon Thompson of Birmingham City Council said: “Over the decade, people’s needs and expectations have changed and the housing choices available, in particular to older people, need to reflect this.

“Older people are entirely capable and should be living independently and so we need to make sure their voices are heard. I’m delighted to see this project get off the ground and hope to see more examples like this where, those who will be living in the housing, get a say in how it’s designed and managed.”