Event Date
Organiser
UK Cohousing Network
Event website
View event website (opens new window)
Event contact
Owen Jarvis
owen@cohousing.org.uk
Discover how Housing 21 are shaking things up by making social rental cohousing neighbourhoods a reality for the first time ever.
Join the UK Cohousing Network and Housing 21 for a practical lunch-and-learn masterclass exploring Rupali Court in Birmingham — a pioneering cohousing-inspired social rental scheme and the first implementation of a UK housing association cohousing strategy.
This session will offer a behind-the-scenes look at how cohousing principles were adapted within a mainstream housing association context to support stronger, more connected communities for older people.
The discussion will explore:
- Why Housing 21 developed a cohousing strategy
- Strategic decision-making and organisational buy-in
- Partnership working with local authorities and agencies
- Design principles that support community and social connection
- Resident and community engagement during development
- Key challenges, lessons learned and reflections from delivery
This event is aimed at housing association leaders, local authorities, funders, architects, developers, community-led housing groups and others interested in the future of community-centred and later living housing models.
Date: 3rd September 2026
Time: 12:30–14:00 (UK time)
Format: Online lunch-and-learn masterclass
Tickets: £80
All proceeds support the ongoing work of the UK Cohousing Network in advancing cohousing and community-led housing across the UK.
Agenda
12:30 PM - 12:45 PM
Introducing cohousing in the UK
Owen Jarvis, UK Cohousing Network's Chief Executive introduces the session and provides background to cohousing and it's growth in the UK
12:45 PM - 01:00 PM
Why Cohousing? Housing 21s Strategy
Strategic Leadership and the Journey to Rupali Court Steph Ramsden, Director of Acquisitions, Sales and Partnerships at Housing 21, shares the strategic background behind Housing 21’s decision to explore cohousing principles within social rental housing. Drawing on the development of Rupali Court in Birmingham, she will reflect on leadership buy-in, organisational decision-making, partnership working, key milestones in the delivery journey, and Housing 21’s thinking on the future role of community-centred housing models.
01:00 PM - 01:15 PM
Community Engagement and Partnership Working
Dawn Carr
Dawn Carr, Cohousing Partnerships Manager at Housing 21, explores the role of community engagement and partnership working in the development of Rupali Court. She will share insights into working with local agencies and communities, and the importance of involving future residents in shaping the design, culture and day-to-day life of their future homes.
01:15 PM - 01:30 PM
The Co-Design Process with Residents
Harry Randhawa, Director at Triangle Architects, discusses the co-design approach used in the development of Rupali Court and how the design process was adapted to ensure future residents and the local community could meaningfully shape the buildings, shared spaces and wider vision for the scheme.
01:30 PM - 01:55 PM
Questions and Answers
01:55 PM - 02:00 PM
Wrapping up and next steps
12:30 PM - 12:45 PM
Introducing cohousing in the UK
Owen Jarvis, UK Cohousing Network's Chief Executive introduces the session and provides background to cohousing and it's growth in the UK
12:45 PM - 01:00 PM
Why Cohousing? Housing 21s Strategy
Strategic Leadership and the Journey to Rupali Court Steph Ramsden, Director of Acquisitions, Sales and Partnerships at Housing 21, shares the strategic background behind Housing 21’s decision to explore cohousing principles within social rental housing. Drawing on the development of Rupali Court in Birmingham, she will reflect on leadership buy-in, organisational decision-making, partnership working, key milestones in the delivery journey, and Housing 21’s thinking on the future role of community-centred housing models.
01:00 PM - 01:15 PM
Community Engagement and Partnership Working
Dawn Carr
Dawn Carr, Cohousing Partnerships Manager at Housing 21, explores the role of community engagement and partnership working in the development of Rupali Court. She will share insights into working with local agencies and communities, and the importance of involving future residents in shaping the design, culture and day-to-day life of their future homes.
01:15 PM - 01:30 PM
The Co-Design Process with Residents
Harry Randhawa, Director at Triangle Architects, discusses the co-design approach used in the development of Rupali Court and how the design process was adapted to ensure future residents and the local community could meaningfully shape the buildings, shared spaces and wider vision for the scheme.
01:30 PM - 01:55 PM
Questions and Answers
01:55 PM - 02:00 PM
Wrapping up and next steps
Organiser
UK Cohousing Network
Event website
View event website (opens new window)
Event contact
Owen Jarvis
owen@cohousing.org.uk