Blog – Stirchley Co-operative Development

Press Release: 21st January 2021

Stirchley Co-operative Development (SCD) have been granted planning approval to build much-needed affordable housing as well as three new fit-for-purpose retail units in the heart of our community. The approval was certified by the Birmingham City Council planning committee on January 21st and means that SCD can continue forward with this ambitious project in 2021.

The grassroots community organisation, made up of two local housing co-operatives and three co-operative businesses, have been working on this project since 2016. They’ve had support from local co-op housing provider; Accord and have received substantial financial backing from Homes England.

After positive early talks with Seven Capital the group decided that the derelict land on the corner of Hunts Rd and Pershore Rd would make a suitable site for their project. Following public consultations they secured initial funding to hire architects and began to see their ideas come to life for the first time. Such a progressive project is unusual for the area and this, coupled with the COVID-19 crisis, led to delays in the planning process which pushed the committee decision back seven months to January.

The ongoing community support for the project has been incredible, receiving hundreds of positive recommendations from local residents and businesses as well as elected officials. The positive attention brought to Stirchley because of this project will set a target for other parts of the city to aim for in terms of sustainable build processes and the provision of affordable housing – both vital components of any future urban development and a key part of Birmingham City Council’s objectives for the city.

In-short, Stirchley Co-operative Development are on track to provide:

39 affordable rental properties (100% of the housing)
A secure and sustainable home for three existing co-operative businesses in Stirchley
A new community space including a pedestrian walkway, seating a community garden and cycle parking
A closed-timber frame building with an environmental spec that exceeds Building Regulations and will provide:
- 27% reduction in CO₂ emissions per year
- 22% reduction in CO₂ emissions per square metre

This is not a profit-driven development, instead the entire project is being managed by the local businesses and residents as a co-operative. It will remain a co-operative when the residents move in where they will take control of the building collectively. This will create a long-term asset for Stirchley and sustainable homes for families and individuals ambitious about our common future.

For more information and to register your interest in joining visit stirchley.coop

Affordable housing and retail spaces to add social and economic value to the community

The Birmingham suburb of Stirchley has a 150 year history of co-operative organisations run for the community, by the community. A major new venture revives this spirit for the 21st Century.

Following three years of planning and research, Stirchley Co-operative Development Ltd. (SCD) have agreed to purchase outright land on Hunts Road and Pershore Road, adjacent to the British Oak pub, from developers Seven Capital.

SCD is working toward the construction of a new residential and retail site with space for worker co-operatives and affordable housing in the heart of Stirchley. In partnership with Accord, a housing association with a great track record of building cost-conscious and ecological housing, SCD are developing plans for the site to include new retail premises for established worker co-operatives; Loaf Bakery & Cookery School, Birmingham Bike Foundry and Artefact Projects, and 45 affordable housing units to accommodate individuals, couples and families. The building will be constructed using sustainable and cost-efficient production techniques creating a functional new space that will be a positive addition to the Pershore Road.

The SCD building will be a long-term asset contributing to the regeneration of the area. Run with high levels of community involvement and reduced negative environmental impacts, it aims to be sensitive to the past and ambitious about Stirchley’s common future. Offering a sustainable alternative to private rental, this extensive project will help to tackle local social housing issues by providing accommodation and work space under common ownership.

Construction is set to begin in 2020 and is scheduled to last two years. During the construction stage the application process will open for those who wish to make their new home in Stirchley as part of the co-operative.

Stirchley Co-operative Development is supported by local businesses and its founding members are all current Stirchley or Selly Park residents. The organisation is incorporated as a business using the Somerset Rules for Co-operative Societies and has been awarded substantial financial support from Homes England.

For more information see the stirchley.coop website.