‘First of a kind’ majority LGBTQ+ extra care scheme plans lodged

Plans for a ‘first of a kind’ majority LGBTQ+ extra care housing scheme in South Manchester have been lodged.Housing association Great Places Housing Group has submitted proposals planned for the site of the former Spire Hospital on Russell Road, Whalley Range, which was demolished in 2019.Since then, the brownfield site has since remained vacant.The scheme for the majority extra care housing scheme have been developed with the input of the Russell Road Community Steering Group, Manchester City Council, and the LGBT Foundation.It will bring forward 80 one- and two-bedroom apartments for older people within a sustainable building of four to five storeys.The low-carbon scheme will include shared communal facilities including lounges, treatment rooms and landscaped gardens. It will look to ensure an overall net gain of trees on the site.The residents will be aged 55 years or over, with the majority being members of the LGBTQ+ community from Manchester. Living alongside allies, the aim is to provide an open and inclusive, physical, and psychological place of safety for the older LGBTQ+ community.Also included in the site is a neighbouring shared ownership block consisting of 40 apartments, a mix of one- and two-bed apartments.Great Place will fund the development, complimented by grant funding from Homes England and the GMCA Brownfield Housing Fund.Helen Spencer, executive director of growth at Great Places, said: “Our purpose-built majority LGBTQ+ Extra Care housing scheme in Whalley Range, south Manchester, represents a pioneering step towards creating a safe and inclusive haven for older members of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community.”With 80 one- and two-bedroom apartments, this low-carbon development aims to provide high-quality accommodation, flexible care, and support services for residents aged 55 years or over.She added: “By fostering a sense of community and living alongside allies, we aspire to offer both physical and psychological safety. Additionally, the adjacent shared ownership block will contribute to addressing affordability challenges in the Whalley Range area.”The planning submission marks an important milestone in this groundbreaking development, and we look forward to continuing working with our partners, Manchester City Council, LGBT Foundation, and the Community Steering Group to make this vision a reality.”