Plans approved for UK’s ‘first of a kind’ majority LGBTQ+ Extra Care scheme

SENT ON BEHALF OF GREAT PLACES HOUSING GROUP

Great Places Housing Group’s proposals for the site of the former Spire Hospital on Russell Road, Whalley Range were approved at Manchester City Council’s planning meeting today (26 September). The brownfield site has remained vacant since the hospital was demolished in September 2019.

Commenting on the planning approval actor Ian McKellen, LGBT Foundation patron and committed supporter of the Pride in Ageing Programme, who visited the Russell Road site earlier this year, said:

“It's wonderful to see Manchester leading the way yet again. Our community deserves to be able to age in a safe and welcoming environment where we are accepted for who we are, and Russell Road will do just that. Congratulations to everyone involved in the project and I look forward to following its progress and seeing the scheme open!”

The plans for the majority LGBTQ+ Extra Care housing scheme have been co-produced in partnership with the Russell Road Community Steering Group, Manchester City Council, and LGBT Foundation.

The development will deliver 80 one- and two-bedroom apartments for older people within a high-quality sustainable building offering a safe and welcoming feel and inviting presence whilst designed to respect the surrounding conservation area. The low-carbon scheme will include shared communal facilities including lounges, treatment rooms and landscaped gardens and will deliver an overall net gain of trees on the site.

Extra Care housing schemes look to increase the housing opportunities for older people to move into high-quality accommodation, with flexible care and support services available to meet changing needs and encourage independent living. The residents at Russell Road will be aged 55 years or over, with the majority of residents being members of the LGBTQ+ community from Manchester. Living alongside allies, the aim is to provide an open and inclusive place of psychological safety for the older LGBTQ+ community.

The site will also include a neighbouring development of shared ownership homes; with 40 homes in a mix of one- and two-bed apartments. The shared ownership product will deliver an alternative option to access the housing ladder, helping to address affordability issues in the area. The shared ownership apartment block has private amenity space and adds to the sense of place this development offers the existing community.

The development will be funded by Great Places, complimented by grant funding from Homes England and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Brownfield Housing Fund. The scheme is intended to be constructed by Rowlinson Constructions Limited and the wider design team includes Triangle Architects and Mosaic Town Planning.

Work on the new site will start later this year.

Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said:

“This is a real celebratory moment for this development, which has been in the works for some years and is designed to meet a clear need for quality, social rent housing for LGBTQ+ older people to live in safety, dignity and as part of a welcoming and supportive community.

“We have helped build hundreds of Extra Care homes across Manchester in recent years to meet demand for older people to live in their later lives, many with care needs provided on site, but this is the first purpose-built LGBTQ+ majority Extra Care community in the UK. It’s a landmark development in every sense and we look forward to getting on site later this year.”

Paul Martin, CEO at LGBT Foundation, added:

“Today’s announcement marks a significant and welcome milestone and LGBT Foundation are delighted by the news that plans for Russell Road have been approved.

Older LGBTQ+ people are currently at greater risk of discrimination, poor health outcomes and social isolation, and many do not have the support networks of family and friends. This scheme aims to address these challenges and create a safe and affirming environment where our community can age with pride.

We’re looking forward to transforming our vision into a reality and continuing to work alongside partners and the Community Steering Group to improve the lives of older LGBTQ+ Mancunians and ensure Manchester continues to be a place where LGBTQ+ people are free to be themselves.”

Helen Spencer, Executive Director of Growth at Great Places, said:

“We’re delighted to receive planning approval for this groundbreaking project. Our Russell Road development is a significant step forward in providing high-quality, inclusive housing for members of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community.

“This low-carbon development of 80 one- and two-bedroom apartments aims to offer flexible care and support services for residents aged 55 and over. Our collaboration with the Russell Road Community Steering Group, Manchester City Council, and LGBT Foundation has been crucial in shaping a scheme that meets residents’ needs and enhances the local area.

“Additionally, the adjacent shared ownership block will help address affordability challenges in Whalley Range.

“We look forward to starting work on site and continuing our work with all partners to make this vision a reality.”

Martin York and Susan Duncan-Wood, Joint Co-chairs of the Russell Road Community Steering Group (CSG), said:

“The Community Steering Group is proud to be involved in this pioneering development which has received planning approval.

“As representatives of the LGBTQIA+ community, future residents and the locality in which the scheme is based, we aim to ensure all voices are heard and perspectives considered to create an environment where older people can live their lives authentically and with dignity.”