General news
Prospective residents of Rupali Court, Housing 21’s flagship cohousing scheme, are taking a central role in shaping their future community. Designed to champion independence and collaboration, Rupali Court is built around resident-led decision making.
The Rupali Court Cohousing Core Group is at the heart of this approach, a growing collective of engaged residents who are working together using consensus decision-making. The group consists of 25 committed individuals who are actively involved in ongoing decisions about the design, management, and culture of their future home on Birchfield Road in Lozells.
Mohammed Mansur Alam is a prospective resident of the cohousing scheme: “It is nice to be a member of the resident committee for Rupali Court.
“We have representation for multi-national people as we are all from different ethnic backgrounds. I am grateful to be part of this group, and I look forward to moving into Rupali Court with my wife next year.”
The decision-making process ensures that all voices are heard, fostering healthy discussion and collaborative solutions. This includes taking part in recruiting the Housing Manager for the scheme and other decisions that may arise.
The group meets every month and has played a key role in choosing the kitchen and bathroom tiles as well as naming the scheme.
Local facilitating partner Legacy West Midlands has supported the development of the group, through processing the facilitation of group meetings.
Dawn Carr, Cohousing Partership Manager at Housing 21, said: “We are committed to capacity building local communities, so that they are empowered to design independent living accommodation that meets their needs.
“We have adopted a consensus decision making approach to ensure that that all opinions, ideas and concerns are considered and adhered to.
“This innovative approach to community-led housing development is so rewarding and I am delighted to be leading on this project.”
Rupali Court is scheduled to open in 2026. In addition to the 25 apartments, the scheme will also include a residents’ lounge, a multi-faith room and landscaped communal garden.
There will also be a common house area with a kitchen and open space, where the community can come together to cook and eat, as well as space for activities.
Visit the website for more information: www.housing21.org.uk/schemes/rupali-court