Earlier this month we exhibited the LivShare prototype at the ExCel centre. It will become, once fully build out, a seven en-suite room, eco-home designed by Bill Dunster (www.zerobillshome.com/livshare-home).
We were overwhelmed with warm words, feedback and suggestions of alternative uses from co-living for the elderly and inter-generational living to care worker accommodation and others besides
This prototype was built in part by students from South Essex college through the initiative https://www.zedfactory.com/zedgeneration. It aims to provide attainable housing for young people as well as secure much needed work experience in modular housing. It is now at a factory in Peterborough ready to be finished.
The plan, subject to agreements with a local council and housing provider, is for the unit to be located permanently and used to accommodate young people moving on from a hostel environment – young people in need of low rent housing as they commence their journey into employment.
Meanwhile, we explore opportunities with partners for LivShare to become a credible source of low rent housing for young people as a homeless reduction initiative, accommodation for people leaving prison, and more broadly as a new affordable co-living brand. How this will develop we will wait and see, but I am more convinced than ever that our young people, low paid employees, those on apprenticeships, or those who want to live intentionally differently in community, will find a place with LivShare going forward. As a society we need to provide attainable housing – homes that people can easily access, to meet their housing need at a price they can genuinely afford.
I am very grateful for the kind contributions of people to this initiative, those who cheer on from the side-lines and especially those who give of themselves to provide advice and support.
I promise to keep you up to date and looking forward to sharing the journey with you.