Suvana Cohousing has been looking for a way to create a Buddhist community of 20 - 40 households, with a common house, shared garden and other facilities, for several years, and now it looks very likely to happen. We are delighted to be able to share the exciting news that we are collaborating with TOWN, the UK’s leading developer of cohousing, as we explore the delivery of homes for our community on part of their site in the Northstowe development in Greater Cambridge. More details below. 

So our vision moves closer to reality - the vision for a mutually supportive multi-generational community in which residents of individual homes also share and look after common spaces and facilities, living based on universal Buddhist values. We could meditate together in a shared shrine room, eat meals together, and have art or workspaces. We would love for this to be a prototype for cohousing communities in other places too.

But this will only happen if enough of us wish to be part of it! So it means that we are inviting people – particularly younger folk – who want to live in a community of kindness and mindfulness to join us in Northstowe. 

If you aren’t already involved with Suvana, your first step is to become a co-creator. This enables you to be part of co-designing the community and get priority over your choice of home. There’s no commitment. 

We already have over 40 cocreator households, so you’ll be in good company.

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Suvana and TOWN in Northstowe

Northstowe is a new town roughly halfway between Cambridge and St Ives - about 9 miles from Cambridge City Centre. It is surrounded by countryside and has a network of walks, open grassy areas, trees and lakes, where swans and geese abound. Phase One has been completed, and our development is part of Phase Two, along with the town centre, shops and some community buildings like a medical centre. The plot that TOWN has acquired will create 130 - 150 new homes, in four discreet blocks, one of which will be Suvana, and another of which will be another co-housing community. We are in weekly meetings with TOWN and have a brief-setting weekend with them planned for November. If all goes to plan we could move into our new homes during the second half of 2027. If you are curious, do come to our event on the 21st in Cambridge, or get in touch with us at https://suvana.org/contact.