Local Housing Co-op to Purchase Gensing Manor?
JESS LUBY
Built in 1880 for the MP of Hastings and his wife, but more recently leased to English language schools, Gensing Manor is up for sale and Hastings Rental Health Housing Co-op (HRH) are planning to buy it.
The plan is to convert the 17,000ft property into 12 high-quality homes for low-income local tenants via co-operative membership. The site could provide for those in temporary accommodation, as well as private tenants living in precarious, damp and overpriced accommodation.
A further 6-10 new modular eco-homes could also be assembled on part of the land around the property if planning consent were granted.
All homes would be collectively-owned, self-managed and maintain affordability in perpetuity. Works to renovate and convert the property would employ local architects, project managers and tradespeople. The sumptuous Manor’s lower ground floor meanwhile can provide spaces for artist studios, therapeutic services and function as a hub for local community groups.
Development of the site would also allow for substantial improvements to be made to the existing house and grounds, safeguarding its future for the local community.
With the third fastest rising rents in the UK, unregulated Airbnbs and buying becoming a dream, Hastings is at the frontline of Britain’s housing crisis, and co-ops are an essential part of that fix.
Who are we?
Hastings Rental Health Housing Co-op was set up by local community organisers and activists, Sarah Gomes Harris, Sam Kinch and Nichelle Kelleher, to help solve their own issues of insecure and exploitative rental conditions. As time went on, other people approached them with similar issues and requests not only for campaigning, but also for support with solutions.
An essential part of HRH’s purpose is to secure a site for affordable and environmentally sustainable homes in Hastings, as this is desperately needed. We need a radical response to the housing crisis in Hastings, one led with innovation and urgency. We want to work with Hastings Borough Council to maximise the use of available buildings in this town, and more importantly, safeguard them for people in housing need.
The co-op believes in the power of community and mutual aid and recognises there is no mental health without housing security. Its members share the same values and already support each other and contribute to other local community groups, including St Leonard’s Cycle Club, Women’s Voice, Refugee Buddy Project, Transition Town and Joyful Roots. Our members include a volunteer therapist in a local substance misuse service, community gardeners, a yoga therapist, environmental campaigners, community arts organisers and an independent start-up advisor. Our members also include the organiser of Hear Me Roar Festival, a coercive abuse workshop facilitator and local sustainable events organiser.
Two of us are single mothers to young children, working two jobs to make rent each month. One of us lives in temporary accommodation; a one-bedroom flat costing the council £1200 per month. The purchase of Gensing Manor would alleviate some of the pressure on the council and model a healthier, affordable and long-term solution to our town’s housing problems.
We care deeply about those marginalised in our community. We dedicate most of our working hours to those without a voice. We act with concern for the wider community as we believe this is the foundation for any vibrant, functioning society and we understand grassroots strength is the only way our community can thrive. Yet, without secure housing, our work suffers, as the anxiety of living so precariously affects our capacity.
“We are committed to working together to create a healthy living environment where our members can thrive and continue to serve our community, a model that can pave the way for future housing cooperatives in Hastings. With secure housing we could continue and build on the work we already do and could recruit and help more members in need of support,” says Sarah Gomes Harris, HRH co-founder.
A Call For Help
So we’re reaching out to potential supporters who would consider investing in our co-op with loan stock (an investment with a negotiated amount of return) so we can develop our plans moving forward. To secure a mortgage with an ethical bank, we need to raise £390,000 for a deposit and a further £600,000 to start the first phase of building works.
Help us realise our dreams of safe, secure and affordable housing so that we can continue to serve our local community. Are you interested in making an ethical investment to support us with a return on your money? Please hit this link! bit.ly/HRHCCrowdfund
We hope you have enjoyed reading this article. The future of our volunteer led, non-profit publication would be far more secure with the aid of a small donation. You can also support local journalism by becoming a friend of HIP. It only takes a minute and we would be very grateful.
Any updates to the building, there was a plan for 19 flats