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A group of families and individuals looking to build a supportive, mixed tenure cohousing community in Harrow. They have been meeting regularly to establish their shared objectives and looking into their incorporation options.
They have been researching different community led housing models and frequently attended training and workshops.
Zahra are a fully mutual housing co-op looking to build affordable homes suitable for multi-generational living. Several generations living together can bring many social benefits including help with childcare as well as health and wellbeing benefits for older relatives.
As private renters, they have found most rented properties on the market unsuitable for larger families and are also looking for stability and security of tenure. The homes will be for long term submarket rent and their affordability will be protected in perpetuity by the cooperative structure. The co-op will be responsible for the construction, maintenance, finance and security of the homes.
How we’re helping
Zahra attended several workshops held by Harrow Council in 2017, registered the co-op and received a small grant from the council to explore community led housing on small sites in the borough. We have been working closely since Autumn 2018 to clarify options and their implications and helping Zahra commission financial modelling and capacity studies on potential sites.
Read Zahra member Ameen Lilani’s blog on intergenerational living