After six years of tireless effort, Scotland's first fully rented cohousing scheme, Hope Cohousing, is on the verge of becoming a reality. The project, aiming to build six terrace houses in Orkney, faces a £300,000 funding gap despite making significant strides in securing land, building permission, and architectural designs. The group expresses concerns about short-sighted funding decisions and calls for a holistic approach to address social isolation and well-being.
Scotland 's first fully rented cohousing scheme is on the verge of becoming a reality after six years of tireless effort by a dedicated group of individuals. The Hope Cohousing project, spearheaded by Catriona Patterson, Trish Spence, Claire Broadhurst, Jenny Rambridge, Catherine Kirkwood, and Mark Smith (with Elli Pearson absent from the picture), aims to create a thriving community of six terrace houses in Orkney.
Cohousing communities are characterized by new-build or retrofitted homes, managed and inhabited by their residents. Each development incorporates self-contained residences and shared community spaces, fostering a sense of connection and collaboration.The fully rented model is particularly significant for Hope Cohousing. Cohousing in Scotland primarily consists of owner-occupied homes, requiring residents to sell their existing properties before joining a cohousing community. This poses a challenge for many who rent, as they lack the financial resources to make such a transition. The Hope Cohousing members, currently residing in rented homes facing various challenges like social isolation, high heating costs, and age-related accessibility issues, envision a community where they can enjoy age-appropriate homes, promoting independence and privacy while fostering strong social connections.While cohousing is gaining popularity in England, with numerous established communities and strong support systems, Scotland has struggled to keep pace. Numerous attempts to establish cohousing schemes over the past two decades have faltered due to land acquisition challenges, funding limitations, and the lack of clear regulations and support mechanisms. Hope Cohousing, however, has made remarkable strides, securing land from Orkney Islands Council, obtaining building permission, and even enlisting the expertise of Robert Gordon University’s school of architecture to develop designs pro bono. They have also secured feasibility funding from the Scottish government.Despite these achievements, the project has recently hit a roadblock. The Orkney Islands Council has cited a lack of funds to bridge a £300,000 funding gap, leaving the group in a precarious position. Project coordinator Sacha Wright laments the short-sighted nature of current funding decisions, emphasizing the long-term benefits of cohousing communities in addressing social isolation and promoting well-being. She argues that a holistic approach is needed, recognizing the interconnectedness of housing, health, and social well-being.Despite the setback, Jenny Rambridge, a core member of the Hope Cohousing group, remains optimistic. She believes that the project will overcome this challenge and serve as a model for future cohousing initiatives in Scotland. The group's determination and the significant progress they've made inspire hope that their vision of a thriving, inclusive, and supportive cohousing community will soon become a reality
COHOUSING SCOTLAND HOUSING COMMUNITY FUNDING Orkney Islands Council
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