Page 22 - C.A.L.L. #45 - Summer 2019

Marmalade Lane

Cambridge's first cohousing project is a triumph

By Adrian Curtis
02 May 2019

cambridgeindependent.co.uk

A resident on Cambridge‟s first cohousing development says the first community of its
type in the city is founded on respect.

Jan Chadwick, a resident of Marmalade Lane, insists the development is all about
community engagement and is a throwback to the days when the neighbourhood cared
about each other‟s welfare.

The K1 Cohousing development is the culmination
of eight years of work by the group, and comes
at a moment when custom-build and community-
led housing are being recognised by the
government as viable and attractive models for
future housing.

The development comprises of 42 homes, a mix

of two-to-five bedroom terraced houses and one
and two bedroom apartments.
Marmalade Lane residents celebrate the the In common with the other cohousing

launch of its successful cohousing project
communities in the UK, Marmalade Lane‟s shared
spaces and communal facilities are designed to foster community spirit and sustainable
living and remain integral to the development.

These include extensive shared gardens as the focal space of the community, with areas
for growing food, play, socialising and quiet contemplation, and a flexible „common house‟,

which boasts a play room, guest bedrooms, laundry facilities, meeting rooms, and a large
hall and kitchen for shared meals and parties. A separate workshop is located elsewhere
on site.

All residents are members of Cambridge Cohousing Ltd, have a stake in the common parts
and contribute to the management of the community. Fulfilling the group‟s aspiration for
mixed, intergenerational living, the group includes families with young children, retired
couples, single person households of different ages and young professionals couples.

Ms Chadwick said: “We are delighted. We are the largest cohousing community in the
country.