‘Groundbreaking’ LGBTQ+ care scheme given approval by Manchester
Located off Russell Road in Whalley Range, Great Places Housing Group’s 80-apartment project will provide a “safe and welcoming environment”, according to actor Sir Ian McKellen.
McKellen, who visited the site of the UK’s first LGBTQ+ extra care scheme recently and is an LGBT Foundation patron, said: “It’s wonderful to see Manchester leading the way yet again.”
Plans for the project, designed by Triangle Architects, have been in the works for some time. The site was identified in 2019 when the former Spire hospital that previously occupied it was knocked down.
Yesterday, Manchester City Council granted planning approval for the project, paving the way for contractor Rowlinson to start on site later this year.
Helen Spencer, executive director of growth at Great Places, described the project as “groundbreaking”
“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 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.”
Billed as a “first of its kind” development, the project would provide accommodation for people 55 years or over, with the majority of residents being from Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community.
Plans for the one- and two-apartment block have been developed with the input of the Russell Road Community Steering Group, Manchester City Council, and the LGBT Foundation.
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 development will be funded by Great Places, with grant funding from Homes England and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Brownfield Housing Fund.
The project team comprises Mosaic Town Planning, Simon Fenton Partnerships, SGi Consulting Engineers, OFR Consultants, Urban Green, SK Transport, Design for Security, Energy Counsel, and Azymuth Acoustics.
To learn more, search for reference number 140556/FO/2024 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.
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, chief executive at LGBT Foundation, said the approval of plans marks a “significant and welcome milestone”.
“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.”
Martin York and Susan Duncan-Wood, joint co-chairs of the Russell Road Community Steering Group, added: “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.”
