Great to see this report out from TOWN on the Marmalade Lane Cohousing Scheme in Cambridge. Custom built, commissioned by the local authority, developer enabled, a "site first" project (the residents were invited to join, rather than a community group seeking developer/land as the first move). It's important to note that this isn't the only model or example of cohousing in the UK (there are 11 new build schemes and around 15 coversions of existing mansions/farms) many ground-breaking and award-winning. They come in various sizes and designs. Research into good practice continues. However, the origins story here offers a more mainstream, commercially led, route to creating further versions which TOWN are busy doing. The event brought together movers and shakers amongst local authorities, developers, landowners, so hopefully we will see further opportunities arise. For me the story here, clarifies that rather than lazily dismissing cohousing and others schemes as dreamy or "convivial" nice to haves - it confirms that designing places to be sociable, connected and resident powered seems practical and sensible way to approach sustainable living, food, energy security and mutual self-help in the challenging times ahead. Congrats the community, council and Jonny Anstead, Frances Wright, Neil Murphy, keen to hear reflections - Neil Stephens, Angela Doran, NIGEL KERSEY, Sacha Wright, Julian Brooks, Wrigleys Solicitors, Jon Lee, Laura Moss, Sam Goss, Meredith Bowles,
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In 2019, TOWN completed its first built project, Marmalade Lane in Cambridge, working in partnership with Swedish housebuilder Trivselhus UK, landowner Cambridge City Council, Mole Architects and Cambridge Cohousing, a group of people who would go on to become the residents of this new development.
Five years on, Marmalade Lane has carved out a prominent place in the dialogue around alternative housing models. It has been covered extensively in the press, featured in government policy and guidance, and has won over ten national awards. Over 400 households have signed up to its waiting list in the hope of living there in the future.
Over the last year, TOWN, working with social value experts at Greengage Environmental Ltd have produced a post-occupancy report - Insights from Marmalade Lane. In this report, we gain an insight into life at Marmalade Lane - exploring how the 100 adults and children who live there today make use of the shared spaces, resources and facilities. We reflect on how the design encourages sustainable living and fosters connections with neighbours, examining how the unique closeness of a cohousing community adds to resident's quality of life.
On Tuesday 9th July, we welcomed representatives from across development, investment, national and local government and the charity sector, to celebrate the launch of the report and tour the community with its residents.
The full Insights from Marmalade Lane report is available to read via the link below!
https://lnkd.in/eWXUvu8d
