‘The soul’s been ripped out of it’: Birmingham community housing scheme on brink over costs dispute
Summary
A community housing project in Birmingham called the Stirchley Cooperative Development (SCD) is at risk because of disputes over rising construction costs. The housing association GreenSquareAccord (GSA), which owns the land, now says it cannot transfer ownership to the community due to a £1.16 million shortfall, causing delays and uncertainty for residents and businesses involved.Key Facts
- The Stirchley Cooperative Development was created in 2016 to build 39 affordable, landlord-free homes owned by local people.
- The project aims to give residents and business owners control amid rising rents and house prices in Stirchley, Birmingham.
- GreenSquareAccord took over construction in 2024 after the original contractor went bankrupt, leading to delays and cost increases.
- GSA now refuses to transfer ownership of the development to the community because of a £1.16 million funding gap.
- The residents and businesses have been left uncertain about the future, with some people homeless and companies at risk.
- GSA says rising costs are due to interest, inflation, and construction challenges but is working to find a solution.
- Community members accuse GSA of mismanagement that caused the problems and feel the housing association is not honoring its commitments.
- Local businesses like a bike cooperative and a bakery are among those affected by the project’s problems.
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