The Hive Housing Co-op
The Hive Housing Co-op are from a diverse range of tendencies [anarchist, socialist, suicidal...] united by a shared belief in social change through grassroots action [solidarity & eco campaigns, housing & human rights, community food growing & catering...] and of course, co-operation. We reached a limit of tolerance of squalid living conditions and naughty landlords that dominate the Bradford property scene. So we decided to own our own squalid living conditions, in a friendly, sustainable and DIY manner.
We joined the Radical Routes network of little fish, borrowed some money and bought a 4 storey Victorian terrace house in inner city sunny Manningham in 1997. Since then we’ve been blundering along, fine-tuning our DIY skills and creating a solid base for our other activities. Amongst other things we’ve been insulating, messing with slates, and developing our backyard garden. Our latest feature is a double bunk-bed so we can do B&B for various punk bands and all and sundry. And yes we’re still trying to find space to accommodate our bicycle breeders.
We see the Hive as a demonstration of how people’s home life can be organised in a more humane, ecological and fulfilling way, and also as a catalyst for changing our society into one that embodies these qualities. We still dream of serious eco-renovation, a unilateral declaration of independence, and a permanently tidy hallway.
