Great Places consults on LGBTQ+ extra care scheme

A Manchester-based housing association is consulting on proposals to create a purpose-built extra care housing scheme for the LGBTQ+ community.Great Places Housing Group (GPHG) claims the facility, which is proposed for a site in Whalley Range in the south of the city, would be a first for the UK. The organisation is seeking views from the local community ahead of submitting its planning application.The development is planned for the site of the former Spire Hospital in Russell Road, Whalley Range, which was demolished in 2019. The brownfield site has since remained vacant.The proposals for the majority extra care housing scheme have been developed with the input of the Russell Road Community Steering Group, Manchester City Council and LGBT Foundation.It would deliver 80 one- and two-bedroom social rented apartments for older people in a brick building of four to five storeys. The low-carbon scheme will include shared facilities, lounges and treatment rooms, and landscaped gardens. GPHG says its proposals will look to ensure an overall net gain of trees on the site.Helen Spencer, GPHG’s executive director of growth, said: “We are delighted to launch our public consultation for this 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.“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.”Extra care housing developments look to increase the affordable housing opportunities for older people to move into high quality accommodation, with flexible care and support services available to meet changing needs encouraging independent living.Residents will be required to be aged 55 years or over, with the majority of residents being members of the LGBTQ+ community from Manchester. Living alongside allies and other members of the local community, GPHG says the aim is to provide an “open and inclusive, physical and psychological place of safety” for the older LGBTQ+ community, and a “welcome addition” to the Whalley Range area.The site will also include a neighbouring separate shared ownership block consisting of around 40 apartments, a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartmentsCouncillor Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “This is a landmark development for Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community, and there has been a lot of interest in this development 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.“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.“Now it’s the time to present the proposals to the wider community – and I’d urge as many people as possible to take a look and give us their thoughts. This feedback really does help ensure developments like this complement and enhance our neighbourhoods.”Paul Martin, chief executive at LGBT Foundation, added: “LGBT Foundation is proud to have been involved in the development of the LGBT+ majority extra care housing scheme in Whalley Range since it was proposed some years ago.“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.”Residents will be able to see the plans and give their views at public consultation meetings at the site on Russell Road on Friday 12 January 2-8pm, and Saturday 13 January from 12-2pm.Members of the local community will also be able to provide their views online by 8 March.Are you a social housing professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.