Minister for Housing and Lands Owen Bonnici, together with the Foundation for Affordable Housing, has announced the Foundation’s first co-living residence project, which will be developed in the heart of the Ħal Kirkop community.The project will create a new opportunity for people who wish to live independently and affordably, while continuing to benefit from the support and sense of belonging offered by the community.A convent located in the village of Ħal Kirkop will be renovated and adapted into a co-living residence. The residence will be designed to provide residents with the private space and independence they need, while also giving them access to a number of shared spaces and facilities. These spaces will be professionally managed to ensure a safe, organised and high-quality environment.A consultation process with the Ħal Kirkop community has led to the inclusion of a night shelter for elderly people from the locality, as well as a clinic that will be open to the public. These facilities will further strengthen the role of the residence as a space that not only provides affordable accommodation but also responds to the wider needs of the community.“This is a project that places the individual and the community at its centre. We are giving new life to this convent in Ħal Kirkop to create a co-living space that offers affordable accommodation, independence and a sense of belonging,” said Minister for Housing and Lands Owen Bonnici.“This is a concrete example of how we can use the spaces we have to create more opportunities while, at the same time, strengthening our communities.” added Minister Bonnici.The Administrative Secretary of the Archdiocese of Malta, Michael Pace Ross, said that the concept of co-living not only addresses the problem of loneliness but also helps build a community.“While cooperation strengthens solidarity within the community, it also gives residents the opportunity, while living in this building, to plan their next steps in their life journey when it comes to housing,” said Mr Pace Ross.The Foundation’s CEO, Dr Jake Azzopardi, said the project aims to demonstrate how existing buildings can be given a new lease of life and a new purpose to address today’s social and residential needs.He explained that this is only the beginning, following an opportunity offered to the private sector in recent weeks to participate in similar projects. He announced that several private entities with vacant or under-utilised properties had expressed interest in the public call to develop similar projects.Once completed, the Ħal Kirkop co-living residence, which is being developed through an investment of €1.6 million, is expected to accommodate 15 people, while also including a night shelter and clinic.Share this with someone who would be interested to know•