A proposal by Co-housing Dunedin to take on a central city site could make Dunedin just the second city in New Zealand to host an active co-housing community.
Formed after a series of public meetings in February, the Co-housing Dunedin group is now in discussions with a local developer. Large enough to accommodate 26 households and a common house, in keeping with the co-housing model, the sunny site was within easy walking distance to town, the group said.
''This is an exciting opportunity for us - this site ticks all the boxes for a co-housing community,'' Co-housing Dunedin member Catherine Spencer said.
However, time is tight, with plans for development of the site set to take shape in the next few weeks. A good number of people had already signed up to be part of the proposed community, but several more families were needed, along with people interested in participating as investors, she said.
''We have had a lot of positive feedback on the co-housing concept, now we need people to be courageous and put their hands up,'' she said.
A public meeting to discuss the proposal has been called for next Tuesday.
Co-housing is a form of collaborative eco-housing where people own or rent a private dwelling, while having access to common spaces and a common house. Developed in Denmark, where there are now more than 700 co-housing communities, the model is popular across Europe.
New Zealand has one co-housing community - Earthsong eco-neighbourhood in West Auckland, which was established in 1995. One of the driving forces behind the establishment of Earthsong was former Dunedin woman Robin Allison, who led workshops in the city in February.
Co-housing Dunedin member Sue Taylor said there had been a great deal of interest in co-housing since the group was established.
''Co-housing is a modern solution to the loss of community and social isolation that has occurred in post-industrial societies.''
Residents of a co-housing community retained their privacy while becoming part of a diverse community, Ms Spencer said.
''It helps to re-capture that spirit of living in a village and knowing your neighbours.
• Public meeting, June 4, 6pm, Leith Room, Community Link (next to Work and Income), corner Castle and St Andrew Sts. Enter from in Castle St, opposite the Central Fire Station. For more info, visit www.facebook.com/cohousingdunedin
