One of the pioneering features of the Threshold Centre is that it is the first UK cohousing scheme to be created jointly with a housing association partner. Half of the 14 cottages are provided by East Dorset Housing Association, part of Synergy Housing Group, the largest housing association in Dorset. There are four affordable rental cottages, and three shared ownership.
Synergy Housing Group showed both enthusiasm and also understanding of the innovative benefits of cohousing. Given the many challenges of converting old farm buildings to high-level sustainability within tight cost budgets, a Synergy project manager was fully involved with the owner-occupiers in working with the architect, preferred contractor and other professionals in creating the designs and budget for the project.

Click here to view or download further information about Housing Association involvement with details of social housing at the Threshold Centre in Adobe Acrobat pdf format.