Woodborough Street Cohousing

“I dream of living in a well-designed home that is more secure than simply renting in the private sector. I can’t afford to buy in the area and have never owned my own home. My family have lived here for generations and my son’s father lives close, so it's really important to me that we live locally and can create our stable home.” Jenny Bull, Nettle Director

In 2023 Nettle Housing Co-op was granted Preferred Bidder status on a plot of land that Bristol City Council gifted the group. Preferred Bidder status simply means Nettle will be gifted the land if they are able to secure planning permission and the necessary finance.

Nettle, formally Hometime, was set up by a group of single mothers to create innovative and affordable housing, focused on community, sustainability, and shared resources. As a community led project, the members of the co-op lead things like design decisions and have been driving the work from the beginning.

“We are really excited to bring this co-housing project to life. It will be like a micro village, so it’s about being really good neighbours to each other, rather than eating every meal together: sharing what you want to share, as well as having the privacy you need. My dream for the project is that people feel part of a dynamic, respectful community, with their own space within that.” Alice, Nettle Director

The Woodborough Street plot in Lawrence Hill, Bristol was once the site of a scout hut. But due to asbestos and the general state of the building, it is no longer fit for purpose. The scout hut will be will be demolished and in its place six homes, designed primarily for local families, will be built as well as a community space for public use. In 2024 Nettle was awarded a grant and a loan from the Charities Aid Foundation. This has allowed them to recruit their initial professional team including Ecomotive’s Caroline Pringle and Barefoot Architects.

The homes will be more affordable than the local average because Bristol City Council is gifting the land and because the Co-op will retain ownership of a percentage of the homes, reducing the amount of mortgage residents will have to borrow. This shared ownership model is increasingly being used to create housing that local people are more likely to be able to afford.

“The average Bristol resident now needs almost 10 times their annual salary to buy a house! That’s why Ecomotive have been supporting Nettle from the beginning. We have the opportunity to create something really beautiful here and we hope it will inspire other people who would like create their own housing solutions.” Caroline Pringle, Ecomotive, Woodborough Street Project Manager.

Nettle aims to foster strong communal ties through shared spaces such a community room and a communal garden, while offering private, independent living spaces for all residents.

To find out more email: caroline@ecomotive.org