Somerset Co-operative Community Land Trust’s (SCCLT) main mission is to provide sustainable affordable housing and workspace for community enterprises in Somerset. What makes them different from many other land trusts is that as a co-op, promoting co-operative principles in all they do.

SCCLT are ambitious with their projects, which currently include developing:

– eight brand-new one bed flats for people in housing need in Taunton, in particular for those who enjoy being part of community, and

– 20 homes and workspaces for community enterprises in Wiveliscombe. Although it is its early stages, it offers a great amount of opportunity for the area.

Why we like working with them:

‘SCCLT is truly independent and not reliant on housing associations to achieve its goals. It uniquely strives to incorporate workspace for social and community enterprises alongside its affordable housing, to support employment and the benefits such enterprises can bring to the people they house, and the wider community.’ Steve 

Registered in 2009, Go-op is the UK’s first co-operatively owned and run Train Operating Company, with a mission to reduce the social and environmental impacts of travel by providing mutually owned, high quality and inclusive public transport services that encourage people to choose more sustainable options.

Not only that, they hope to go beyond just being an operator of timetabled train services on the National Rail Network. Go-op will also support the development of car clubs, bus links and travel hubs to enable communities to access sustainable transport options.

Why we like working with Go-op

‘Every time I open up the project plan for Go-op I gasp a little at the complexity of the project, but I quickly remember the ambition and how innovative the project is. Go-op is going to be something really special and I cannot wait for the first train to arrive at Taunton to pick up its first passengers.‘ Alice

The Minehead Pool project came to us in 2019. A passionate group of locals had been campaigning for a community-owned and run pool in Minehead since 2017, after the closure of the Local Authority pool.

Since working with us they have registered as a Community Benefit Society and built essential relationships with Local Authorities and other key stakeholders. This has resulted in the Local Authority ring-fencing a piece of land for a swimming pool in a prime location. There is still work to be done to ensure this piece of land to signed over to the CBS. However, the support for a new community-owned pool in Minehead is strong and encouraging.

The CBS will provide the community with:

• A pool for school children who do not have easy access to swimming lessons
• Provision for low impact exercise; Minehead’s population, as a whole, is older than the national average
• A pool for groups who run activities for people with learning disabilities
• Access to health and well-being facilities.

The next steps include large-scale community engagement, feasibility study, business planning and a pioneer share offer.

Why we like working with them:

‘The Minehead Pool project is an excellent example of where a community has come together to bring back a town amenity, that they lost and miss. Their ambition is huge, but they see the incredible potential in community ownership.’ Alex

South West Co-operative Development Limited
Registered as a Community Benefit Society: 31193R
Registered office address: 10 East Reach, Taunton TA1 3EW
Office phone: 0300 456 2265
Email: development@southwest.coop