Community Councils Innovation Network case study: Birmingham (Stirchley Co-operative Development)

The case study “Community Councils Innovation Network case study: Birmingham (Stirchley Co‑operative Development)” is published by the Co‑operative Councils’ Innovation Network, a body that supports cooperative initiatives across local authorities. It is authored by Karolina Medwecka, Programme Development Manager at Birmingham City Council, and Sean Farmelo, a co‑operative development specialist. The document details the Stirchley Co‑operative Development (SCD), a mixed‑use housing and business project in Birmingham, illustrating how community‑led models can deliver sustainable, affordable housing and support local economies.

SCD provides 39 affordable rental homes and purpose‑built premises for three established local co‑operative businesses: Loaf Bakery and Cookery School, Birmingham Bike Foundry, and Artefact Projects. The development also includes a community urban space with a pedestrian passageway, seating, a shared courtyard garden, and cycle parking. Located on Stirchley’s main high street, the scheme aims to revitalise the area while offering long‑term affordable housing.

Key milestones include planning approval in 2021, land purchase in August 2022, construction start in June 2023, and projected completion by September 2025. The project’s governance is democratic, with regular member meetings guiding decisions. Partnerships with GreenSquareAccord and ethical lenders underpin the development’s financial and operational stability.

Funding derives from a diversified portfolio: significant contributions from Homes England, a mortgage from an ethical lender, and early‑stage support from Power to Change via The Big Lottery Fund for capacity building. The co‑operative ownership structure embeds common ownership, ensuring the homes remain affordable indefinitely and protecting them from market speculation.

SCD demonstrates a replicable model for sustainable housing: mixed‑use development, community‑owned assets, and integration of local co‑operatives that generate employment and services. The inclusion of green infrastructure—cycle parking and shared green spaces—supports low‑carbon mobility and enhances urban livability. The project aligns with UK government commitments to increase social and affordable housing through community‑led initiatives.

The case study highlights collaboration with Little Ships CIC, an architecture practice developing a “lease‑development” model that re‑uses underutilised land such as car parks. This approach, combined with the CCIN’s role in disseminating best practices, aims to enable other councils to adopt similar co‑operative housing schemes across Europe, fostering scalable, sustainable urban regeneration.

Recommendations include: establishing clear council policies to streamline planning for co‑operative housing; creating dedicated support teams within local authorities; identifying public land for transfer to community land trusts; and promoting co‑operative models through workshops and information campaigns. Supporting worker and housing co‑operatives with business advice and seed funding is also advised.

For further details, contact Karolina Medwecka (karolina.medwecka@birmingham.gov.uk) or Sean Farmelo (seanfarmelo@gmail.com). The case study is publicly available through the Co‑operative Councils’ Innovation Network website.