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Placemaking Case Studies

Clann Colivet

Colivet Court, Southill, Limerick, Republic of Ireland

At a glance

• Landlord: Clann Housing, part of Clúid Housing.

• Location type: Suburban.

• Residents: Over-55s only. Some have lived in the housing from the start.

• Estate size and type: Completed 2014, award-winning design of apartments with communal space.

Background

Only a decade old and purpose-built, Colivet Court should have been thriving. In some ways it was, helped by onsite facilities such as meeting rooms, communal kitchen, a visitor suite and an onsite caretaker. In particular, the architects included spaces for people to meet accidentally, helping to overcome loneliness and build a sense of community.

But by 2024 there were signs that things were going awry.

The scheme is leased by Clann Housing from the local council, and responsibility for repairs had become a blurred area. Clann could not simply go in and complete repairs to the building structure, much to the anger of residents who are less clear on the interdependencies within the lease agreement.

Residents see Clann as the landlord and therefore assume responsibilities for repairs should lie with it also. Conveying the distinction between scheme ownership and management to residents is an ongoing challenge.

Things boiled over in early 2024 when a councillor told the local newspaper that residents felt ‘trapped’ by a combination of technology such as intercom on the gated scheme breaking down, and anti-social behaviour round about.

While dialogue with the local authority and the Commercial Development team has been ongoing and productive, the coverage acted as a useful catalyst for change.

The Commercial Development Team, supported by technical expertise from Property Services, met again to expedite a review of the current arrangement.

Over the past few months Clann has engaged in discussions with senior management in the council on the proposed disposal of this scheme to its parent organisation Clúid Housing. The discussions are focused on the long term viability of the scheme for the residents and Clann as a business.

The organisation is considering different ways of securing funding for immediate works to ensure issues that need to be resolved now are done, as well as securing funding to help deal with other items within the development.  The council has acknowledged the great work Clann staff are doing in the city and in this scheme and they remain supportive or working with it to deliver similar Clann-style developments in the future.

In addition to this, Clann and the council called a meeting with residents plus a variety of other stakeholders: the gardai (police), support providers, architects and councillors. The will to change was strongly present and together they began the process of resolving the problems residents raised.

Generational connections

One initiative is to help younger and older people reconnect. An organisation that offers a ‘second chance’ to youngsters who have got into trouble has come in to partner with Clann. The young people are to design and build items such as benches and planters for Colivet Court, learning trade skills as they go. They will consult residents on what they want, helping to build relationships.

Tailored support

Another issue currently under discussion is the level and type of support that residents should receive. Many residents had previously lived in general needs housing so would be used to a standard service from housing officers.

Clann has already put in a dedicated site manager for Colivet Court two or three days a week. The debate now is whether that input should be increased, and the answer is not straightforward.

The aim is to help people live independently for as long as possible, but the concern is that too much support, or not they right type of support, could actually disempower people and make them more dependent.

Consulting with government

Many issues remain to be resolved. But the meeting this year kickstarted a dialogue that is enabling conversations about ageism, connecting with young people, and fostering pride in place that had not happened before.

Head of Clann Steve Loveland says: We’re optimistic about resolving these challenges. There is lots of goodwill despite the challenges on site and a genuine willingness to develop a community response to the issues identified.’

• Despite winning design awards, the situation in a scheme can quickly deteriorate without attention to ongoing maintenance.

• Blurred lines of responsibility can worsen partnership difficulties.

• Dialogue with residents is essential to establish their needs and wishes.

• Intergenerational work can help young people reconnect with older residents.

• A careful debate is needed on the level and type of support that works best for residents.

This section includes information about the local area as captured by the Pobal HP Deprivation Index, which provides measures of socio-economic conditions by geographic area.

Colivet Court, Limerick, Kildimo ref number 127088002/01*

Pobal index overall1.44
Descriptionmarginally above average
Age dependency ratio34.78%
Lone parent ratio8.33%
Primary education only11.83%
Proportion at third level education39.78
Unemployment male7.14
Unemployment female6.25
* Republic of Ireland Pobal HP Deprivation Indices 2022

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This project was made possible by funds provided by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) under the NSW Community Housing Industry Development Strategy (IDS). The NSW Community Housing IDS is a partnership between CHIA NSW and DCJ.