How Wales’ unused places of worship can play a part in ending the housing crisis

New report by the Bevan Foundation and Housing Justice Cymru shows how unused faith-owned spaces can help to tackle the shortage of social homes in Wales. 

With more and more families in Wales living in temporary housing—1 in every 215 households—the need for secure, affordable homes is urgent. New research by leading Welsh organisations – Bevan Foundation and Housing Justice Cymru – looks at the housing potential of faith-owned spaces which may no longer be viable for their current purpose or, in many cases, already sit unused.

The current housing crisis in Wales means there are simply not enough social and community-led homes for everyone who needs one. A big problem in building new, affordable homes is finding suitable land in the right places. Many sites planned for development are either not suitable, not in high-demand areas, or not being made avai

Through the research, the Bevan Foundation has estimated that up to 7,000 homes could be created by redeveloping unused places of worship and associated buildings, and releasing faith-owned land holdings. And repurposing these spaces not only provides homes for people who need them, but also prevents the buildings from falling into disrepair and becoming eyesores. This can help improve community perceptions and prevent a cycle of decline.

The Most Revd John Davies, Former Archbishop of Wales and Chair of Housing Justice Cymru said:

“There can come a time, a sad time, when a place of worship that has been much loved over the years, comes to the end of its viable life. The least attractive option for that building is that it closes and becomes a ruin. There are occasions when the clearance of the site and the construction of new facilities is a feasible option.”

To make the most of unused faith-owned spaces for housing, the Bevan Foundation and Housing Justice Cymru are calling on the Welsh Government, local authorities, and faith-based organisations recognise and commit to this opportunity. They also recommend a strategic approach to ownership, contracting etc., led by the Welsh Government. This would involve working with various groups and having flexible policies and funding to support redevelopment projects. This work has been supported by Cwmpas.

Wendy Dearden, Senior Policy and Research Officer at the Bevan Foundation, said:

“Far too often these opportunities to redevelop important community buildings get put in the ‘too difficult to do’ box. With the shortage of social homes and sites upon which to develop them, we must be looking at every opportunity. Our recommendations aim to find a way through the barriers to their potential being harnessed.”

Full report – Transforming communities affordable homes from unused faith-owned spaces