Later this year, a housing development that could form the model for how many of us live in the future is opening in the UK’s capital.

Described by those behind the project, property startup The Collective, as the “world’s largest purpose built co-living scheme”, it will blend the shared nature of student living with the amenities and quality of a luxury hotel, providing everything from room cleans and linen changes to WiFi and concierge services.

Aimed at young people working in the city, the development in Old Oak, west London, it is designed to encourage communal living, or as The Collective describes it, Co-Living.

Although the apartments are the size of a hotel room – featuring a double bed, desk, kitchenette and an en-suite bathroom – the communal areas are sizeable, totalling 10,000sqft.

In addition to communal kitchens and living areas for each floor, the development will include a gym, spa, cinema and an array of restaurants. And at £250 a week per apartment with utilities and council tax included, while it isn’t the cheapest option in the city, it will sit happily in the price range of many Londoners.

“Our Old Oak development is offering Londoners a fresh and innovative way of living – it’s also a much needed option in the context of the capital’s housing crisis. We are changing the way people can choose to live,” said Reza Merchant, CEO of The Collective.

The shared aspect of the development is likely to appeal to many young people, offering a far greater sense of community.

And with other facilities including a rooftop terrace, games room and a coffee shop, it’s set to feel more like a village than a block of flats.

You can even work in the development too, as there will be a 400-person shared working space available from September.

This provision of communal living is particularly beneficial given the level of isolation that urban living can often provide, and if the residents get on well, many could see an improved quality of life from such an environment.

“We’re offering a solution that will enable young working Londoners, who are the lifeblood of the UK economy, to live properly, enjoy themselves and meet like-minded people,” said Merchant. “Co-living creates a genuine sense of community alongside access to so many more amenities than you would get in a flatshare.”

Combine the communal appeal with both the convenience of the service and the growing shortage of affordable urban housing in cities around the world, and the project looks set for widespread replication.