Aims

 The Threshold Centre at Cole Street Farm is a unique, pioneering cohousing community and sustainable education centre, which aims to demonstrate a way of life which is more green, more affordable, and more neighbourly. Cohousing, which combines small, self-contained homes with shared facilities, is a key part of this.

Having operated on a pilot basis since late 2004, the Threshold Centre won planning permission and grant funding in 2008 to create a cohousing scheme at Cole Street Farm. It consists of fourteen dwellings, seven of which are affordable rent and shared ownership with a local housing association - a first in the short history of cohousing in this country. There is also a common house with shared facilities and guest rooms, green energy systems and a community market garden.

The essence of cohousing is a combination of self-contained dwelling units with some shared facilities. Each household has its own front door and can live independently. Alongside this are shared facilities where residents can eat together when they wish, and also a shared sitting room, guest rooms, laundry etc. The major benefits of cohousing include:

• Affordability
• Sustainability
• Community
• Autonomy