We were pleased to able to host an event as part of this years Festival of Debate programme this year. Entitled “Community Ownership: What is Sheffield’s Future?” we explored what a community-owned future of Sheffield could look like in 50 year, and how community land trusts (CLTs) and community ownership models can offer an alternative to the extractive practices that dominate our cities.

We were joined by three great speakers; Jess Steele OBE, CEO, founder of Hastings Commons & Jericho Road Solutions; Claude Hendrickson MBE, Community Homes and EDI advisor, Self Build Coordinator, and founder and contributor to many transformative projects across the North and beyond; and Katie Reilly, Architect, Director of Brighton & Hove CLT, Public Sector professional, and former Public Practice Associate.

In the Brighton context, Katie Reilly explained how an awareness of the planning system might allow more community-led projects to happen (previous work the CLT have done around this topic is here.) In Hastings, Jess Steele showed how an ecosystem of linked organisations has allowed the organisation to finance and develop a vibrant mix of buildings, and Claude Hendrickson focused on engaging an empowering communities, with his talk including his involvement with Frontline selfbuild .

This sold-out event included discussion and Q&A on how community ownership could transform Sheffield over the next 50 years to help nurture a more sustainable, inclusive and liveable city.