On 22-23 May the SHICC project hosted its first transnational gathering. Special thank you to Ville de Lille and Community Land Trust Brussels, who led on organising this successful event.
What we heard
The transnational gathering was an opportunity for us to hear from a range of people with different experiences, perspectives and expertise relating to housing models that are genuinely affordable. We got an insight into the landscape of CLTs across a wide range of political, geographical and social landscapes. Belgium, France, Switzerland, the US and England were just some of the regions represented. Additionally, speakers such as Lilles local Councillor, Audrey Linkenheld was present who provided detailed and interesting insights into the OFS approach to provide permanently affordable housing.
For the full report covering the whole conference:
English (short version)
French (short version)
English (long version)
French (long version)
What we saw
We wanted the attendees to see first hand, the work that is taking place in Lille. Attendees were taken to two sites where a large number of OFS properties are being built. One of which was the rue Renan site with a whole block of apartment units dedicated to OFS and the other, Cosmopole, which will have 15 units. The site visits were accompanied by interesting discussions and Q&As with the developers.
In both the plenary sessions and the seminar sessions there were presentations of a very broad range of issues from the structure of CLTs in the US to exploring viable financial models.
For all presentations click here
What we took away
The two-day event, which included site visits and a peer-to-peer workshop, was an opportunity for CLTs, and other supportive actors from across North-West Europe to build relationships and learn from each other. By the end of the workshop there was a real buzz and optimism in the air for what this project could achieve. This feeling was bolstered by new transnational relationships being built and existing ones being strengthened.
To find the agenda: