A NEW housing project that promises to encourage social contact and develop a sense of community at home, is hoping to develop in Cirencester.

Cohousing offers people the opportunity to live in a social environment whilst still maintaining their privacy and personal living space.

“People live in their own homes but in the middle of the scheme there will be a common-house,” said Claire Morris, Director of Cirencester Co-Housing.

“This would be quite a large building with a big kitchen and dining room.

“People have the opportunity to eat there maybe three times a week, with residents doing the cooking on a rota.

“A team of four people cook the meal and clear up and you’re expected to be part of the cooking team at least once a month.

“It gives people the chance to get together and socialise.”

The proposed benefits of cohousing not only include reduced costs on energy and laundry but also reduced feelings of alienation that many have when living alone.

A cohousing project in Stroud has been running for a number of years and continues to flourish.

The Springhill site in Stroud was the first new-build cohousing scheme and has a total of 34 units, ranging from one bedroom flats to family-sized houses.

The Cirencester Cohousing group will share the principles of sustainability and mutual support demonstrated in Stroud.

“The Stroud project has been very successful,” said Claire.

“It’s attracted all sorts of ages and we’re looking to do the same long term in Cirencester.

“It’s for anybody who would enjoy living in a community and would like the reciprocal support that it offers."

The group are currently looking to meet people in the area who might be interested in living in cohousing and are putting on a meeting tomorrow at Ingleside House in Cirencester to provide more information on the project.

“Cirencester Cohousing is only just starting as a company; we’ve only been in existence since Christmas,” said Claire.

“So one of the main ideas behind the meeting is to attract more members, to give them information and to describe what it’s like to live in a cohousing community.”

Two of the residents from the Springhill site are coming to talk at the meeting to provide their take on cohousing.

The meeting is being held tomorrow, Saturday, April 18 2-4pm at Ingleside House, Beeches Road, Cirencester, GL7 1BN from 2-4pm.

For further information contact Claire on clairemori@aol.com or ring Bee on 07769 674546.