Co-housing as a solution to urban loneliness and aging

Co-housing, a community-led living model originating in Denmark, is gaining traction in the UK as a way to combat loneliness and improve quality of life for all ages. The concept clusters private homes around shared spaces like common houses and gardens, fostering neighborly connections. Over 30 co-housing projects exist in the UK, with 60+ in development. Town, a development company co-founded in 2014 by Jonny Anstead, is spearheading five communities. Town's completed Marmalade Lane in Orchard Park near Cambridge (2020) houses 100 people across 42 homes intergenerationally. Anstead emphasizes that co-housing addresses isolation in older residents and supports young families with childcare. The model's scale (20-45 homes) enables residents to know neighbors and share resources. Town works with existing groups or develops projects, involving residents in design sessions.