Melfield Court – Intergenerational Housing SchemePhoenix Community Housing

Working with John Giesen, we supported Phoenix Community Housing (PCH) with plans to develop new homes in Melfield Gardens in Lewisham. The scheme was designed to attract residents over 55 who are under-occupiers from within the local community and also provide an element of intergenerational housing in partnership with Goldsmiths University by including accommodation for postgraduate students. This innovative scheme aims to house a group of four students in each block who will be encouraged to check in on older residents, help with household tasks, and get involved with recreational activities in the community space being designed into the scheme. Mobilise has supported Phoenix develop the operating model for Melfield Court providing support to the working group, and designing and leading workshops with students, staff and older residents to introduce different models of intergenerational housing.  We have supported the development of the vision for the scheme and the ‘good neighbour agreement’, that describes the activities, support and behaviours they would like to see in place.  Melfield Court is currently in planning and due on site later in 2021.  It no doubt will provide a strong pilot for intergenerational housing delivering positive impacts for elders in Lewisham long into the future.