Irwell Valley Homes is supporting a development of six two-bedroom bungalows in Huyton, Liverpool.
Once complete, the scheme will provide new affordable homes for members of The Huyton Community Co-operative For The Elderley, a community-led provider of sheltered housing for the over 60s.
Brian O’Hare, the cooperative’s chair, said: “Our cooperative was formed in 1984, and we currently have 58 homes across two sites.
“This new development is a major step forward for the cooperative, following a lot of hard work by our members and management committee, and will help us meet the growing demand for accommodation for the over-60s in the area.”
The project has received grant funding from Homes England, with successful bids through the Community Housing Fund and the Shared Ownership and Affordable Homes Programme.
The cooperative is being supported by its managing agent, North West Housing Services; and Irwell Valley Homes, the north-west-based housing provider managing the build.
Sasha Deepwell, CEO of Irwell Valley Homes, said: “Now more than ever, people need a quality, affordable home.
“With a severe lack of homes for people in need, community-led housing offers a real opportunity for people to come together to benefit from supportive and secure homes.
“It’s no surprise then, that housing cooperatives are growing – building new homes and welcoming new members, and new cooperatives are setting up, as people look to find their own solutions to access affordable housing in their community.
“We are proud to be supporting community-led housing groups across Liverpool and Greater Manchester to help them realise their aspirations for their members.”
Liverpool City Region has a strong history of local people setting up their own community-led housing projects, especially housing cooperatives.
Today, there are more than 30 housing cooperatives that are managed, either entirely, or mainly, by their tenants across Merseyside.
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