The Trust Today
Development has continued, with research into new building methods and amenities being carried out. Special needs housing for the elderly, single people, unsupported mothers, children in care and the mentally handicapped is included in the planning mix. Today there are 12 different types of special needs schemes on the Estate, from bungalows for the elderly to sheltered housing schemes, and from a hostel for people with learning difficulties to ninety shared ownership homes for first time buyers and self-contained flats for single people.
Self-build co-partnerships - where practically all the work is done by the membership under the direction of an experienced foreman - have successfully built 400 homes.
Over a hundred years since the first house in the Bournville Village Estate was built, the Bournville Village Trust continues to keep faith with the aims of its founder George Cadbury. The mission statement promises to:
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Promote social housing of good quality which enhances the environment
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Manage all their housing and estates to the highest standards for all residents
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Encourage residents to share in decisions affecting their communities.
Today the Bournville Estate covers 1,000 acres, and of its 7,600 dwellings 3,861 are secure or assured tenancies; 50 are co-ownership dwellings; 2,234 leasehold properties; and 1,466 freehold homes. The Trust also manages 400 houses and flats in Telford, Shropshire, and has been involved in many other housing, planning and environmentally related projects, all aimed at improving housing conditions in this country.
The Bournville Village Trust is a dynamic organisation making a positive contribution to the housing needs of the 21st century, building on the ideals of its founder, George Cadbury (1839-1922).
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