New Longsight Housing Co-operative

The Story of Our Co-op: Building Homes, Building Community

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In the early 1980s, a group of Longsight residents came together with a shared vision. They

wanted to protect their neighbourhood from large-scale redevelopment, a movement that

resulted in Birch Housing Co-op. When Birch reached its limits, New Longsight Housing Co-

op was born.

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In 1982, our Co-op was officially registered with the Housing Corporation. With support from

Manchester City Council and the Housing Corporation, we began breathing new life into

older properties. These homes were carefully improved and offered as affordable rentals to

our growing membership.

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What makes our story even more special is the sense of continuity. Some of the original

members who helped lay the foundation of our Co-op are still with us, their legacy passed

down to children — and even grandchildren — who have become part of the Co-op family.

New Longsight is not just a collection of houses; it’s a community.

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Over the years the co-op has grown to meet the needs of our members. In 1990, we

managed 33 properties. By 1992 and 1995, with further funding, we built new homes in

Tatham Close and Parry Road. We also extended a helping hand to Great Gables Housing

Co-op when they faced challenges, bringing them into our fold. Today, we proudly manage

85 properties across Longsight, Levenshulme, Rusholme, and Victoria Park.

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Our diverse range of homes includes:

- 8 one-bedroom flats

- 28 two-bedroom flats and houses

- 28 three-bedroom houses

- 12 four-bedroom houses

- 7 five-bedroom houses

- 2 shared houses

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But our story isn’t just about growth in numbers — it’s about maintaining quality. Our priority

has always been to keep our homes comfortable, safe, and well-maintained. With regular

improvements, replacements, and a robust maintenance program, we ensure high-quality

affordable housing for generations to come.

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You might wonder what a housing co-operative is!

A housing co-op is a community where residents collectively own and manage their homes, typically by buying shares in a legal entity that holds the property. Members participate in the management and decision-making of the co-op, gaining control over their housing and community, and often enjoying affordable and sustainable living. This model provides a form of home ownership and housing security compared to private renting or mortgages with high interest rates.  

Our governing body is Confederation of Co-operative Housing (CCH)  https://www.cch.coop/