PlaceShapers announces Housing 21 as a member
18 February 2026
By joining a network that shares our values and commitment to social purpose, we can work together to influence national conversations and ensure that older people’s experiences are understood and prioritised.
PlaceShapers is proud to welcome Housing 21 to its national network of place-shaping housing organisations. Housing 21 is a specialist older persons housing provider with approximately 24,000 homes across 703 schemes. Its provision of specialist accessible homes means older people have a choice to remain independent in their own home.
Matthew Walker, PlaceShapers Chair and Chief Executive of Leeds Federated Housing Association, said: “Our members work together and with their residents to help communities thrive. Our diversity is a huge strength as what unites every member is a commitment to learn as well as a commitment to place.
“With an ageing population, Housing 21’s experience in building strong, connected communities for older people is a valuable addition to our network. Alongside Housing 21’s commitment to having a positive influence in the communities where they have homes, there is much to learn from their innovative approach to creating homes for older people, actively involving residents in the design process right from the beginning and we can’t wait to share their experience across our network.”
Bruce Moore, Chief Executive Housing 21, said: “Becoming a member of PlaceShapers further strengthens our collective voice. It gives us the opportunity to work closely with other housing organisations and champion the needs and aspirations of older people. By joining a network that shares our values and commitment to social purpose, we can work together to influence national conversations and ensure that older people’s experiences are understood and prioritised."
PlaceShapers brings together organisations that share a deep, long-term commitment to people and place. Membership is agreed by the PlaceShapers Board of nine chief executives representing the diversity of its membership. The application is assessed based on the housing organisation demonstrating that it:
- Has a long-standing commitment to the places it operates and how it strives to improve the social and economic resilience of the communities it works with.
- Puts residents and customers at the centre of what it does and ensures they have real influence on the organisation.
- Is locally focused and works actively with local authorities and local partners to improve and shape places at a strategic and operational level.
- Builds homes that respond to local housing needs and provides more than just landlord services because it cares about the people and places where it works.