PTE welcomed residents, housing professionals and co-housing advocates to celebrate ten years of New Ground, the UK's pioneering women-led senior co-housing community in Barnet. The event brought together many of the people behind the project's success to reflect on its legacy and explore the future of community-led housing.

The evening featured a screening of filmmaker Louisa Rechenbach’s acclaimed documentary about New Ground, followed by a lively discussion with residents and industry leaders. Residents spoke movingly about the security, friendship and sense of belonging that the community provides, describing how shared living has enabled them to age independently while remaining connected and supported.

A key theme throughout the evening was New Ground's continued relevance as the UK faces an ageing population and growing concerns around loneliness and social isolation. Speakers highlighted the community's role as a model of preventative care, demonstrating how resident-led housing can improve wellbeing, strengthen social connections and reduce pressure on health and care services.

The discussion also focused on the future of co-housing. With growing public interest, new schemes in development and increasing recognition from policymakers, there was cautious optimism that New Ground's pioneering approach could finally be replicated more widely.

Ten years on, New Ground remains an inspiring example of what can be achieved when residents are placed at the heart of housing design, development and stewardship. As several speakers concluded, the question is no longer whether co-housing works, but how we can create more communities like it.