Proposals to build 100 apartments as part of the UK’s first purpose built LGBT+ older person’s housing scheme in south Manchester have taken the next step.
The Extra Care scheme on Russell Road in Whalley Range, situated on the site of the former Spire Hospital, has been in development since 2017.
Anchor Hanover, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care for older people, is spearheading the project in partnership with Manchester City Council and LGBT Foundation.
First consultations on the proposals took place last month, which shared the ‘initial thinkins’ of the planned development.
The scheme aims to deliver around 100 one- and two-bedroom apartments, alongside a restaurant/bistro, lounges, treatment rooms and landscaped outdoor amenity space.
Residents will be required to be aged 55 years or over, and the scheme will be inclusive of members and non-members of the LGBT+ community from Manchester.
The development will incorporate a number of smart design features in order to minimise its carbon impact, such as solar power, LED lighting, air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points at the on-site parking space.
Following the first stage of consultations, residents are now being encouraged to view the proposals online and share their thoughts via a feedback form which will be open until February 23.
Charles Taylor, Anchor’s Director of New Business, said: “The first consultation was well attended and we got some great feedback.
“We’re looking forward to presenting our updated proposals for further views before we submit a planning application to Manchester City Council.
“At Anchor we have developed a strong reputation for delivering high-quality homes where people love living in later life.
“We share the collective ambition with Manchester City Council to create an exemplary, inclusive development on this well-located site in the heart of the Whalley Range community.”
Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council's executive member for housing and employment, said: "It's brilliant to see this project starting to move at pace.
“This is the second consultation for the LGBT majority extra care scheme and the feedback received has been really useful in developing the proposals that will go to planning in the coming weeks.
"We want this to be an exemplar for inclusive older person's housing and to do that we need input from the communities that will eventually live there.
“This is a great opportunity to see how the development is progressing and we'd love to get as many people's views as possible as we move into the next stage of the project."
Paul Martin OBE, CEO LGBT Foundation, said: “LGBT Foundation is proud to have been involved in the development of the LGBT+ majority Extra Care scheme in Whalley Range since it was proposed some years ago.
“We were delighted to hear the overwhelming support for the scheme during the first consultation.
“The views of the local community are key to making this development a success and we encourage people to use their voice to help shape the future of this landmark project, to ensure it offers a safe and welcoming home for older LGBT+ people.”
Residents can view the proposals here. Feedback can be shared online until February 23.
