Consultation launches for Manchester LGBT+ extra care housing project

Great Places Housing Group sits at the helm of the scheme, which would see the former Spire Hospital site off Russell Road in Whalley Range become the UK’s first purpose-built LGBT+ affirmative retirement community.

The consultation for the Manchester LGBT+ extra care housing block runs through 8 March and can be accessed at ourvoice.greatplaces.org.uk/russell-road-your-views.

The scheme has been in the works since 2020, following a survey from the LGBT Foundation that found 51% of respondents would be uncomfortable in a non-LGBT+ specific scheme.

Manchester City Council sought to appoint a contractor for the project that same year. Anchor Hanover first landed the scheme and did its own consultation in 2022 before being taken off the project in favour of an organisation that was, in the council’s words, “better suited” to deliver it.

Great Places secured the contract in March last year. It is working alongside delivery partners Manchester City Council, LGBT Foundation, and a community steering group to bring the project to fruition. The design team includes Triangle Architects, Rowlinson Construction, and Simon Fenton Partnerships.

Their vision is this: an 80-flat extra care housing block for those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, or allies. The apartments would all be available for social rent and aimed at those 55 years old or older. They would have either one or two bedrooms.

The extra care scheme would be between four and five storeys in height, with electric vehicle charging, parking, a café, lounges, gardens, and treatment rooms.

Next to the extra care flats would be a block of around 40 shared-ownership apartments, with either one or two bedrooms.

Helen Spencer, executive director of growth at Great Places, said the organisation was pleased to start the consultation phase of the scheme, which she described as an “exciting and innovative project, which aims to create the UK’s first purpose-built and co-produced LGBTQ+ extra care housing scheme in Whalley Range”.

Spencer continued: “Russell Road will provide high-quality, affordable, and inclusive homes for older people who identify as LGBT+ or allies, as well as shared ownership opportunities for local residents.

“We believe this scheme will not only meet the specific needs and aspirations of the LGBT+ community, but also enhance the diversity and vibrancy of Whalley Range as a neighbourhood.”

“We look forward to hearing the views of the local community and working with our partners, Manchester City Council and LGBT Foundation, to make this vision a reality.”

Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, Cllr Gavin White, described the project as a “landmark development” for the city’s LGBT+ community. He said there has been a lot of interest already.

“We know there is a gap in the market for affordable housing for older people where care needs are met onsite – and where they can feel accepted and live with dignity,” he said.

White also emphasised that the project has been developed in collaboration. “Critical to this project has been the co-production process with our community steering group that have helped guide the design principles for these homes to ensure they meet the needs of future residents,” he said.

LGBT Foundation chief executive Paul Martin echoed White’s sentiment.

“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,” he said.

While the Whalley Range LGBT+ extra care housing project would be the first purpose-built extra care home designed for those who are LGBT+, there are other similar facilities in London. Tonic Housing launched Tonic@Bankhouse in Vauxhall, which saw the association purchase 19 homes at One Housing’s Bankhouse retirement scheme specifically for LGBT+-affirming senior care.