In 2019, TOWN completed its first built project, Marmalade Lane in Cambridge, working in partnership with Swedish housebuilder Trivselhus, landowner Cambridge City Council, Mole Architects and Cambridge Cohousing, a group of people who would go on to become the residents of this new development.

Five years on, Marmalade Lane has carved out a prominent place in the dialogue around alternative housing models. It has been covered extensively in the press, featured in government policy and guidance, and has won over ten national awards across architecture, planning, sustainability and social value. Over 400 households have signed up to its waiting list in the hope of living there in the future.

Over the last year, TOWN, working with social value experts at Greengage, have produced a post-occupancy report – Insights from Marmalade Lane. In this report, we gain an insight into life at Marmalade Lane – exploring how the 100 adults and children who live there today make use of the shared spaces, resources and facilities. We reflect on how the design encourages sustainable living and fosters connections with neighbours, examining how the unique closeness of a cohousing community adds to resident’s quality of life.

On Tuesday 9th July, we welcomed representatives from across development, investment, national and local government and the charity sector, to celebrate the launch of the report and tour the community with its residents.

The full report Insights from Marmalade Lane and executive summary are available to download below. We hope you find it an interesting read – a glimpse into life in the community.