Langley leading the way with pioneering co-operative social housing project

From L-R: Langley Community Benefits Society Kathryn Carr (secretary) Terry Smith (founder member and Chair person) Councillor Sue Smith (founder member and project manager), Ivy Isherwood (founder member and vice chair) Alison Crush (GMCVO) and Amy (Riverside housing)

Co-operative group Langley Community Benefits Society has secured funding to build its own social housing on the Langley estate in Middleton – the first community-led housing group in the Rochdale borough.

Langley Community Benefits Society is made up of people who either live in or have a connection with Langley.

Funded through the Resonance Community Developers social impact fund, the houses will be built around the Rochdale Cleaner Air Plan and will be energy efficient. The group will also include connections for laptops and tablets, and - if the grants stretch far enough – WiFi.

Terry Smith, chair of the group, said: “It’s with great passion and pride to announce that we are the first community led housing group in the borough after securing funding from Resonance to build our own social housing at affordable rent on the Langley estate in Middleton.

“An individual may have a vision, but it only comes a reality when you work in partnership and I would like to thank our partners for their commitment and support, including Riverside Housing, Rochdale Borough Council and the Greater Manchester Centre for Voluntary Organisation (GMCVO). And last but not least, thank you to local people for your support and help.”

Councillor Allen Brett, leader of Rochdale Council, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in this pioneering project which is a shining example of people coming together and benefiting their community and drive forward cooperative values.

“The inspiring idea has really developed through the hard work and commitment of so many people. As leader of the party and a longstanding co-op party member, I welcome any idea that is rooted on the famous co-operative values of our obrough .

“So a huge well done in delivering this visionary policy and I look forward to it delivering many positive outcomes for the Langley residents.”

A spokesperson for the GMCVO said: “This is an exciting community housing project and demonstrates what can be achieved by people with a passion coming together to improve their neighbourhood.

“GMCVO are pleased to support the Langley Community Benefits Society and help them access project development funding from the Resonance Community Development fund.”