Bristol Community Land Trust
Creating permanently affordable, community-led homes shaped by and for local people.
Organisation: Bristol Community Land Trust
Location: Bristol
Partnership date: 2015
Investment amount: 1.2m
Resonance fund: Affordable Homes Rental Fund
About Bristol Community Land Trust
Founded in 2011, Bristol Community Land Trust develops permanently affordable, sustainable homes for people who are priced out of the local housing market. Its first development transformed a former chapel and school into 12 affordable homes, combining six new-build houses with the refurbishment of a historic school building into six flats. Residents played an active role in designing and self-finishing their homes, earning 'sweat equity' that increased the share they owned or reduced the rent they paid. The homes also feature solar panels and shared green spaces, helping to reduce both energy costs and carbon emissions while fostering a strong sense of community.
Our Investment
Resonance invested £1.2m through the Affordable Homes Rental Fund to provide flexible finance that enabled Bristol Community Land Trust to deliver a mix of affordable homes for rent and shared ownership. The investment gave the Trust the flexibility to respond to local housing needs without being constrained by traditional lending requirements, helping bring its pioneering community-led housing model to life.
Our Impact
The development has created 12 permanently affordable homes that give local people greater security, affordability and control over where they live. Through community ownership, resident involvement and innovative 'sweat equity', the project has demonstrated how community-led housing can create stronger neighbourhoods while tackling the housing affordability crisis. The inclusion of solar panels and shared outdoor spaces also helps residents lower their energy bills, reduce their environmental impact and build a thriving, connected community.
A resident at Fishponds: “I am… not young… and have lived in rented properties for most of my adult life with very little security up till now. I would like you all to know how much you’ve helped me and how much this means to me….I have gone from extreme anxiety and little hope to being the proud resident of a beautiful home in which I’ve invested and on which I’ve made my mark.”
Resonance Limited is a company registered in England and Wales no. 04418625
Resonance Impact Investment Limited, a subsidiary of Resonance Limited, is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Firm number 588462.
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