Hazelmead Cohousing Development in line for another major award

One of Dorset's affordable housing projects, Bridport Cohousing's "Hazelmead" has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has recently announced that Hazelmead is one of four projects - the other three being London-based - to be shortlisted for the Neave Brown Award for Housing 2025. Named in honour of modernist architect and social housing pioneer, Neave Brown (1926-2018), the annual award recognises the UK's best new affordable housing.

Hazelmead is the largest completed cohousing development in the UK. A community-led project for local people by Bridport Cohousing Community Land Trust (CLT) and supported by Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA), Dorset Council and Homes England, it comprises 53 climate-resilient homes, a common house and shared green spaces.

It also features a large community microgrid on site, with all south facing roofs having solar panels (see photo), which is connected to a huge Tesla battery, run by Hazelmead Community Energy Company.

It was developed to address the critical shortage of affordable, sustainable and community-orientated housing in a region where average house prices exceed 11-12 the average local income and has taken 14 years and many thousands of hours of voluntary work by members to complete.

Lorna, a resident member, who lives with her partner in a one bed Shared Ownership flat, says: "We're thrilled. It's the only way we can realistically achieve our ambition of living sustainably. Also, we don't have children ourselves, so it  will be wonderful to live in a real community with young people around us, as well as to have the balance between shared living and our own private space. They're an amazing group of people."

The development consists of 14 one-bedroom flats within two low-rise apartment blocks and 39 two, three and four-bedroom terraced houses. Half the homes are allocated for social rent, half for shared ownership. All are secured at 80% of market value in perpetuity through the CLT. The project prioritises long-term housing stability, which has proven benefits for mental health and well-being.

Cllr Gill Taylor, Portfolio member for Housing, Health and Community Safety at Dorset Council, said she was delighted that Hazelmead was in the running for such a prestigious award, adding that residents involved in the project should be incredibly proud of their achievements and should be congratulated on their fantastic work.

"Hazelmead embraces inclusive design and environmental stewardship. The homes are nestled into the hillside. Green spaces include shared vegetable gardens and wild areas, while car-free streets promote outdoor play and social engagement.

"The houses are built to high EPC ratings and low energy costs, and the common house, which is currently being constructed by members themselves, will provide a hub for community life, fostering intergenerational connections."

Nigel Ingram, Head of Development at BCHA, added: "We were proud to be involved in this award-worthy collaboration as the housing association delivery partner, working closely with Bridport Cohousing to help deliver their vision. Part of BCHA's mission is to help people take control of their own lives and find a way forward, and this is perfectly represented by the co-housing Hazelmead development. BCHA residents live in many of the homes in this thriving, unique and really special new community."

Sam Goss, Founding Partner, Barefoot Architects, said: "Projects like Hazelmead address multiple crises of our time. This is a housing development that takes different values and creates a multi-cultural, multi-generational community where people and nature are thriving.

"Cohousing, supported by forward-thinking councils, like Dorset, is a real alternative to delivering housing, and so much more," he added.

Notes to Editors

Hazelmead has in the past week won the Housing Design Award Supreme Winner for 2025 out of almost 50 shortlisted projects and 11 winners. It has also recently won a Pineapple award for Healthy Homes and as Green Energy Award, where judges said, "Their approach reduces network demand, empowers communities and inspires confidence in the energy transition." 

Other awards include RIBA South West and Wessex Award 2025, RIBA South West and Wessex Client of the Year 2025, RIBA South West and Wessex Sustainability Award 2025 and RIBA National Award (2025). Bridport Cohousing are also in the running for the RIBA Client of the Year.

Hazelmead is up against stiff competition for the Neave Brown Housing 2025 Award, which will be announced in October. The other shortlisted projects are Appleby Blue Almshouse in Southwark, Tower Court in Hackney and Citizens House in London.