Opinion Co-living schemes can be part of solution to housing crisis

ROCKETING property prices and rents have made it difficult for Bristol's key workers to find affordable accommodation in the city centre close to where they work.

- By Robin Gray Director for Alec French Architects

How the St John's Gate development in Bristol could look

City house prices are rising faster than nationally and much faster than average incomes.

There are also fewer houses available for rent locally which has increased demand for this type of accommodation and pushed up fees.

This has put the dream of urban living beyond the reach of most young professionals and key workers who are vital for the smooth running of our city and essential services.

Co-living offers a solution to Bristol's housing crisis by providing affordable apartments and high-quality, shared facilities in convenient city centre locations.

It’s redefining urban living, offering far more than traditional student flats, and has much in common with the high-end hotel experience. A frequent criticism is that co-living apartments are too small which is a claim that needs closer examination.