Great Places picked for Manchester LGBTQ+ housing 

Having originally chosen Anchor Hanover to develop the specialist £20m Whalley Range facility, the city council has now appointed the housing association due to its “proven track record”. 

Great Places Housing Group will design, build, and manage what is billed as the UK’s first purpose-built LGBTQ+ majority older person’s housing scheme. 

“Great Places has a proven track record of delivering high-quality housing across the city and will bring that expertise into this much needed scheme,” said Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development. 

“Extra Care homes create safe, vibrant communities that help residents to live independently as their needs and lifestyle change. Importantly, these homes will also be low-carbon and affordable, further supporting our affordable housing delivery targets.” 

Anchor was lined up to operate the scheme in 2021 but last year Manchester City Council announced an end to the charity’s involvement in the 100-home Russell Road project. 

Speaking at the time, White said: “The local management arrangements required to meet the specific needs of LGBTQ+ communities within Manchester mean there will be other organisations better-suited than Anchor to take it forward.”  

Following Great Places’ appointment, Paul Martin, chief executive of the LGBT Foundation, outlined the importance of schemes such the one in Whalley Range. 

“LGBTQ+ individuals are at greater risk of social isolation, discrimination, and poor health outcomes as they get older, and many may not have access to supportive networks of family and friends,” he said. 

“The Russell Road extra care housing scheme is designed to address these challenges by providing a purpose-built, inclusive environment where LGBTQ+ people can live independently, but with access to care and support services as needed and the scheme aims to promote greater social connection, reduce social isolation, and improve the health and well-being of its residents.” 

Great Places, the city council, and the LGBT Foundation will now begin work to draw up designs for the scheme. 

Helen Spencer, executive director of growth at Great Places, said: “We’re delighted to have been chosen as the preferred housing provider to deliver and manage Greater Manchester’s first LGBTQ+ majority extra care housing scheme. 

“The Russell Road site presents an exciting opportunity and we look forward to working with the LGBT Foundation, the Community Steering Group and Manchester City Council in delivering this unique and ambitious scheme.”