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Lambeth

Lambeth Self Help

February 21, 2022

Lambeth Self Help is a fully mutual housing co-operative, representing the interests of members since the 1970s.

Lambeth Self Help are committed to providing, managing and maintaining a range of affordable homes for co-operative members where they can live together in a diverse and sustainable community. 

They own 52 street properties; most of which are large Victorian houses. Several of the properties are occupied by single older people, who increasingly need accessible homes. LSH aim to provide smaller homes, more suitable for their ageing membership, on a several infill sites. This will free up some of the larger properties for families from the Council’s housing waiting list, where there is high demand for large family homes.

How we’re helping
We have advised on the development strategy, and will be providing guidance on delivering the homes.

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Watmos Community Homes

May 24, 2020

Watmos Community Homes was set up in 2003 by eight Tenant Management Organisations in Walsall. Three TMOs in Lambeth joined in 2012, aiming to get the same security and protection for tenant management. Watmos has a tenant majority on its board nominated by the TMOs, so the needs and wishes of residents are reflected in governance and plans. The board delegates decisions about local service delivery to the TMOs to maintain a high quality of service and local accountability.

The Ethelred TMO Committee have been considering redevelopment of parts of the Ethelred estate, and have held initial consultations locally.

How we’re helping
We have advised on community engagement and the role of local community leadership in taking the project further, and have helped to set up a steering group with Terms of Reference. We funded initial capacity studies and advised the group in the selection and briefing of architects.

 
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Coin Street

March 3, 2020

The process from community campaign into community developer shows what residents can achieve. A flexible organisational structure has allowed accountability to members and successful self-managed social housing delivery.

Number of homes 220 affordable homes with other uses
Location South Bank
Project Stage Several schemes since 1998

How they formed
Coin Street Community Builders (CSCB) grew out of campaigns against commercial development in the area in the late 70s, which had led to the loss of residents and closure of schools, shops, and open spaces. The remaining residents organised themselves to carry out a lengthy campaign for an alternative planning strategy based around affordable housing and open space. Only local people could be members of CSCB and select the board of directors. The board are mainly local residents, with others brought in for specialist skills.

Securing the site
The campaign worked with borough councils and the Greater London Council (GLC) to put in place planning policy for the area which limited the value of the land from £4m to £1m. Before its abolition the GLC acquired the land from the developers and local authorities and sold it on to Coin Street Community Builders (CSCB), a non-profit company set up to purchase the land and take the development forward.

Funding and Finance 
The GLC had funded the initiative to undertake feasibility studies and development work, which was eventually turned into a loan and repaid once the land was purchased. CSCB borrowed money to finance the £1m site purchase including from the GLC and the Greater London Enterprise Board, as well as private lenders. They used Housing Corporation grants towards the costs of developing the social housing. They have also raised funding from commercial endeavours, such as the refurbishment of the Oxo Tower, to invest money back into the area. In the initial phases the group raised revenue through temporary uses to start to pay back their loans and create surpluses for their development schemes.

Design and Construction
The Coin Street Secondary Housing Cooperative, a Registered Provider of social housing, developed family accommodation for around 1,000 people. The developments are leased to four independent fully mutual housing co-ops, where only residents are members. The Mulberry Housing Co-op was the first housing scheme to be completed in 1998. In the same year a temporary market at Gabriel’s Wharf opened up a public space along the riverside and brought small businesses to the neighbourhood. Iroko Housing Co-op was opened in 2002 designed by Haworth Tompkins Architects to very high standards and energy saving elements made possible through CSCB’s economic independence. The neighbourhood centre offering a mix of local facilities and services, childcare and income generating conference spaces was opened in 2007.

Living there
The co-operatives foster a collective commitment to the homes. The management is the responsibility of the co-operatives, who can respond quickly to the needs of people living there. New tenants are not expected to have previous knowledge of housing management but can take part in decision making for their communities and help manage the properties. New tenants are required to complete training which gives them a sense of responsibility and the skills required for this stewardship role.

Find out more

Coin Street Palm Housing Co-op

Miller Walk Housing Co-op

October 2, 2019

Sun Housing Co-op

November 29, 2018

An intentional community with a vision for a communal living and working environment, governed by the occupants.

A group of young freelancers in private rent looking to incorporate as a co-op and provide small private living spaces alongside communal live/work space.

How we’re helping
We have explained incorporation options and implications, advised on site searching and getting a better understanding of their financial position, and helped with a proposal brochure.

 
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