Common Equity Housing Limited (CEHL) is Australia’s largest co-op housing provider, with over four decades of experience delivering build-to-rent housing and developing rental housing co-operatives. With more than 2,000 properties across Victoria managed by 86 co-operatives today, thousands of members have safe, secure and affordable housing, and a community that cares for another.
As International Year of the Co-operatives is celebrated around the world, CEHL is marking a particularly significant milestone – the opening of our 87th co-op; the first in more than 14 years.
Mosaic: pieces of colourful, varied and unique tiles together in plaster to create something new. That was the inspiration for members naming their new co-op in the inner-north suburb of Brunswick, Melbourne.
Situated in the heart of Brunswick, the property offers 16 apartments over seven levels, with a walkability score of 98/100 and excellent access to public transport and local amenities. Designed with ecological sustainability in mind, the development features a communal rooftop garden and shared laundry facilities, fostering a connected, environmentally conscious community.
This landmark development has been designed to foster a connected, environmentally conscious co-op community.
-Liz Thomas, CEHL Managing Director
The development has sparked interest from the local community since its completion. CEHL gave Merri-Bek Council a tour of the property and discussed how co-op housing works in practice, furthering the public understanding of our unique housing solution.
Members of the Mosaic co-op have laid strong foundations for a thriving community, welcoming people from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their own strengths. Since move in day, members have embodied co-op principles – lending hand, from sharing appliance manuals, troubleshooting intercom and making sure neighbours feel welcome and supported. A WhatsApp group helps Mosaic stay connected, troubleshoot issues and share resources.
The co-operative is still in its early days, but the future is bright for this community. Mosaic is a testament to the hard work that goes into making affordable housing developments possible, the groundwork of founding members in creating a co-operative, and the members who everyday are proving what the future of housing can look like for Australia.
