resource and advice hub
First Brick Housing is a democratically-run, non-profit, member-owned organisation aiming to build housing and community spaces for LGBTQ+ people, creating environments where people can live safely, free from oppression and socialise in a place they can call their own.
We have provided initial advice on structuring the organisation.
They are currently seeking donations and volunteers to get the project off the ground.
A black-led self-build co-operative who built 13 sustainable timber frame homes in the mid 1990s.
| Number of homes | 13 social rented homes |
| Location | Downham, Lewisham |
| Completed on site | 1997 |
Fusions Jameen was set up as a black-led self-build co-operative, inspired by projects like Greenstreet Hill. The prospective residents organised the construction work and physically built their own homes, acting as contractors for CHISEL Housing Association, who took ownership of completed homes, and offered discounted social rents in return for self-builder residents’ labour.
Construction was based on the timber frame method pioneered by architect Walter Segal, although it had to be updated to meet more recent construction standards. The houses incorporate energy saving features and environmentally-healthy specifications. Fusions Jameen also built other schemes such as Lowther Hill.
A recent film crowdfunded by the Architecture Foundation documents the challenging self-build process, and the sense of community that was established through that.
The Gloucester Grove Tenant Management Organisation are looking at community-led housing solutions to gain support for new homes that alleviate overcrowding on the estate.
The TMO is elected by residents to ensure housing maintenance is more accountable. They identified under-utilised space on the Gloucester Grove Estate, with an opportunity to provide 10-15 affordable homes. These homes will help alleviate the problem of overcrowding experienced by many who live on the estate. The community-led approach will give residents the opportunity to influence the scheme and develop new skills.
How we’re helping
We have helped the TMO engage with residents about the potential project and to discuss partnership options with Southwark Council.
The Britannia Village Hall site is an ageing but popular community centre, nursery, playground and car park managed by the West Silvertown Foundation, a local charity which operates in the Royal Docks.
They are looking into redeveloping the site to provide new facilities for community activities as well as up to 30 homes. This will not only allow local residents to benefit from the provision of updated services but will also help meet the high demand for housing locally.
How we’re helping:
We helped WSF consider viability and development options and an early stage and have supported detailed feasibility and work to ensure they have a developable lease. We have also helped in looking at the options to progress the scheme to planning, and exploring potential partnerships.
A local charity founded by a Baptist church seeking to redevelop their church hall to provide a bespoke space for community activities and affordable housing for those in need.
Bonny Downs Church owns a small, old church hall building which is used for their weekly foodbank, community meal, winter night shelter, and skills courses.
Working in collaboration with the New Way project, their vision is to build an ‘urban abbey’ that will be an intentional community bringing together people from different backgrounds who are committed to sharing life with and supporting one another, united by a common goal of tackling poverty. The ground floor will have community space and a chapel, with housing above. Four to six studio homes will welcome vulnerable single people, who have experienced homelessness, who will stay for an agreed period of supported tenancy, alongside two flats for community workers. A shared kitchen and lounge will facilitate communal living, where residents will regularly prepare and eat meals together. Everyone will help maintain the house and garden together. Residents will also be invited to volunteer at the daytime services for homeless people based on the ground floor. Acting as a therapeutic community, it will be a place to rebuild lives and to foster purpose and belonging.
How we’re helping
We have helped them complete an initial feasibility study on the site, and have supported them to appoint Panter Hudspith as architects to take the project further. We are currently preparing for a planning application, and have initiated discussions with potential lenders and partners.