Homes for Change Housing Co-operative Ltd is a member-managed social housing co-operative based in Hulme, Manchester. It is part of a wider development that also includes the related Work for Change organisation, which provides co-operatively managed workspace. 2713
The project began in 1987 as the Warehouse Project, a co-operative initiative to turn a threatened city-centre building into homes and business space. After changes in housing policy and rising refurbishment costs made that plan unviable, the group returned its focus to Hulme, where it had secured registration with the Housing Corporation. 2 Charlie Baker is identified as a co-founder; David Rudlin was also a founder member. 512
As Hulme entered government-backed regeneration, Homes for Change became an established co-operative and registered social landlord. It secured funding and a site for 75 flats, developed with the Guinness Trust and ready for residents in 1996. 211 The housing was built above workspace units, giving local residents the opportunity to establish businesses close to home. 11
The co-operative’s model places management in the hands of its members: tenants are members, and volunteers undertake housing-related work through working groups, with decisions discussed at general meetings. 713 Work for Change provides workspace that includes offices, artist studios, workshops, a café and theatre space; its tenants manage the space, including rents, budgets and maintenance planning. 13
Its activities are centred on Hulme rather than operating across the country: it provides housing and workspace in this Manchester neighbourhood and is an example of community-led development within the city’s regeneration. 2314