Chorlton Leisure Centre, MSV, p via planning documents

The scheme will adhere to principles set out in the Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation (HAPPI). Credit: via planning documents

Work starts on £14m Chorlton Leisure Centre resi

The former Chorlton Leisure Centre has been demolished and Caddick Construction’s work on the site is well underway, with completion expected by 2026.

Mosscare St Vincent’s Housing Group’s development of two five-storey blocks consisting of 50 apartments will be reserved for over 55s.

The scheme, off Manchester Road, will provide 40 flats for affordable rent, seven homes for shared ownership sale, and three neighbourhood apartments, which will be leased to Manchester City Council.

At affordable rent, there will be 30 single-bed homes. The remaining 10 will have two bedrooms.

The seven shared ownership flats will all have two beds, while there will be two single-bed and one two-bed neighbourhood apartments.

Shared ownership will allow future residents to purchase up to 75% of each property, allowing MSV to retain a management stake and ensure that the flats remain reserved for over 55s in perpetuity.

A mix of funding from Homes England, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Manchester City Council, and MSV Housing will see investment into the site rise to £14m.

Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “The former leisure centre site has been a target for affordable housing for some time so it’s great to see MSV bring this development to site.

“Not only are these homes low-carbon and affordable – this development will also provide much-needed housing for older people to the heart of Chorlton, while bringing a long-term unused brownfield site back into use – a site that has become an eyesore in recent years.”

He continued: “We know there is demand for this type of housing in Chorlton and we look forward to welcoming the first residents in 2026.”

Chorlton Baths , MSV, via press release

A few architectural stones, some old tiles and other original features of the leisure centre, also known as Chorlton Baths, have been salvaged which will be sympathetically incorporated into the new design. Credit: via press release

The scheme will adhere to the principles of the Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation, which dictates that each home must provide bright and spacious living areas, as well as outdoor spaces, therefore every apartment will have a balcony.

In addition, a central lift will be in operation in both blocks.

Communal spaces will be provided in the form of a resident’s lounge, a garden, and a central courtyard offering secluded areas for sitting and meeting.

There will be nine car parking spaces, with a much larger allocation for bicycle storage.

Plans have been designed by Buttress and Simon Fenton Partnerships.

Chief executive of MSV, Charlie Norman, said: “The way people live is changing, and it is essential we can provide age-appropriate homes for older people in Manchester, offering a warm, safe, and comfortable environment to flourish, in a brilliant location close to the shops, transport, and medical facilities.

“At the same time, we expect it to free up larger social homes in the area for families who are struggling in cramped and over-crowded homes.”

She added: “I want to thank our colleagues at Manchester City Council for partnering with MSV on this key development.”

The project team includes Stephen Martlew Landscape Architecture, ERAP, SK Transport, Azymuth Acoustics UK, Lally, Energy Counsel, and Rowlinson.

To view the application, use the reference 136791/FO/2023 in Manchester City Council’s planning portal.

Your Comments

Read our comments policy

Good to see they have salvaged a few materials

By Jimbob

What will the many Chorlton Nibbles say?

By Anonymous

Thank god, the leisure centre had become a complete eyesore and a blight on this end of Chorlton. Good to see some ‘middle density’ in Chorlton.

By Anonymous

9 car parking spaces is far too many. It is Chorlton.

By Anonymous

I will like the area to have affordable houses to rent or buy in the future or flats

By Nasrin Sheikh Ebrahim

About time too!

By Vixenda

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