Wirksworth Housing Co-operative

Help us secure the Glenorchy centre

We have already raised £150,000 to transform the Glenorchy centre into thriving community-led housing, community space and shared resources. We need to raise a further £100,000+ by 27th March in order to bid in the public auction. You can support us to make this a reality.

What will Wirksworth Housing
Co-operative consist of?

There will be five private rooms in the Co-op, providing space for up to eight adults and two children. This will consist of:

  • Five bedrooms: housing up to eight adults and two children as full-time residents; including one fully accessible room

  • Three bathrooms: which can be adapted to provide a combination of en suite and shared facilities; including a fully accessible bathroom

  • Scope for expansion: with ample space to expand, we can gradually adapt and explore the potential to add 1-2 bedrooms over time

We are also committed to providing short-term spaces to support those needing care and recovery, or for artists and activists visiting the area for events and gatherings.

Private rooms

Shared spaces

The property is blessed with large shared spaces and facilities

  • Main hall - an accessible large main hall, complete with a stage and backstage area, with potential for a combination of living and work space and kids play area

  • Dining hall - a large dining hall, for co-op meals and community events

  • Kitchen - an industrial kitchen with lots of shared cooking facilities and storage space, helping us live sustainably and provide for the community

  • Additional spaces - a range of additional spaces, including a loft, laundry room and utility room, ideal for use as they are or conversion over time

Community facilities

The space will also provide a practical contribution to the local area which improves local sustainability and affordability.

  • Community events - hosting workshops, training and events for adults and children, and making the larger spaces available for hire.

  • Community laundrette - the large laundry offers the potential to refit and open up these facilities for the community.

  • Free or affordable communal meals

  • Shared resources such as a tool and toy libraries.

What is a housing co-operative?

A Housing Co-operative is an organisation set up by a group of people who want to manage and control the housing in which they live, often brought together by a commitment to live by a common set of values and build an intentional community.

Each person living in the group is a member of the Housing Co-operative and has an equal say in decision-making. No member individually owns or makes profit from the Co-op and all members are expected to take an active role in providing and managing the property.

The level of rent the tenants pay reflects the cost of managing the housing, including paying back any debt borrowed to purchase a property. In our case, the rent will be closely aligned with the level of Local Housing Allowance to make sure it is always affordable, regardless of circumstances.