What is Hexham Community-Led Housing?
Hexham Community-Led Housing (HCLH) is a not-for-profit organisation created by local people that aims to develop genuinely affordable housing in Hexham to benefit the town and its residents
HCLH aims to:
- provide truly affordable homes in Hexham for people of all ages
- help keep Hexham a thriving market town, by using town centre properties and infill sites so that more people can live in the town’s centre
Why are we doing this?
The Hexham Neighbourhood Plan commissioned a Housing Needs Assessment in 2016 to explore the types of housing Hexham will need over the next three decades. The research concluded that the greatest need is for affordable housing for people of all ages.
It is generally recognised that vibrant towns are those where people live in or close to the centre. Hexham town centre has many historic, often under-occupied buildings as well as a small number of brownfield sites which could be ideal for development of much needed affordable housing.
How have we started?
A group of Hexham residents with a range of skills have come together and formed a community-led housing company which, it is hoped, will become key to delivering a more inclusive, sustainable future for the town.
How will this be funded?
Grants and loans are available through central government and the local authority. A community-led company can access grants that commercial house builders cannot.
We will apply for these grants, and consider launching a Community Bond and crowd-funding. Longer-term, income from rents and sales will contribute to steady and continual growth.
We will work with local architects and small house builders towards sustainable and affordable housing for Hexham people.
Who will we work with?
In short, with the community. HCLH will work with public, private and voluntary sector organisations. Already we have useful links to community organisations and Northumberland County Council. We will seek links to other organisations where co-operation will bring benefit to both sides.
Is this successfully working elsewhere?
Nationally it is quietly progressing as one solution to the affordable housing crisis. Locally in Wooler, Haltwhistle, Stocksfield and Hartlepool, community-led housing is successful and is playing a key role for local residents.
The Housing Needs Assessment shows it should have an important place in Hexham.
What we are doing now?
We are looking for buildings to refurbish and modest new-build opportunities in central Hexham. If you know of any likely prospects that we could explore further, we would be pleased to hear from you.
We are open to advice on further sources of funding and grant opportunities.
We are building up the organisation’s capacity and knowledge, and learning from other community-led organisations.
What you can do
If you or your organisation would like to get involved or just be kept informed of developments, please get in touch.
We have formal monthly business meetings and members take up tasks between these according to interests and expertise.