Older people’s housing plan approved for Chorlton leisure site

Plans to build housing for older people on the site of a former leisure centre in Chorlton, Manchester, have been approved by the city council.The Chorlton Leisure site has stood empty for many years. The proposed “affordable” later living housing scheme, which will completely redevelop the site, will be delivered as part of a partnership between the council and Manchester-based MSV Housing Group.The new development will provide 50 apartments (a mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom) for the over 55s. Seven of the apartments will be for sale by shared ownership, three will be neighbourhood apartments providing step up accommodation, with the remaining 40 capped at the Manchester Living Rent (that is, they will be priced at or below the local housing allowance level).According to MSV, lettings will be prioritized to over 55s with a housing priority need, including those wishing to ’right size’ and free up a social rented family home in the local area for families on the housing waiting list.Councillor Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “This is a welcome milestone on the transformation of this site, which has stood unused for a number of years.“The project will deliver much-needed low-carbon, affordable housing for older people, helping to meet a clear need for this type of home in this neighbourhood. We know this will be a really positive investment in the heart of the Chorlton community.”Charlie Norman, MSV’s chief executive, added: “Our pledge to build age-appropriate homes for every stage in life remains as firm as ever, and ensuring an ageing population have a home that supports their lifestyle and health needs is absolutely a must.“Chorlton and the surrounding area needs affordable homes to rent for its older citizens and we are proud to be the organisation that will deliver a highly sustainable development of the highest calibre and green credentials.”Working with the Manchester-based architects, Buttress, the development will be built to the HAPPI (Housing Our Ageing Population Panel) principles which includes:• Space and flexibility, and a focus on health and wellbeing so that occupants’ changing requirements will be met over time• The inclusion of large balconies, increased light levels, and shared social spaces• The design will incorporate “strong elements” of the natural environmentIt’s said the apartments and development overall will have the flexibility to adapt over time to meet the changing needs of the occupants, meaning residents can move from their existing family home and “right-size” to a new more suitable home, which provides everything they need for years to come.The development is expected to be completed Summer 2025, and represents an investment of over £12m.David Coulson of Buttress, said: “This is a fantastic scheme and great news for the community, particularly as our population ages. The design prioritizes wellness in the home and embraces people’s changing living requirements as they age. In addition, the plans for the site will create much-needed, highly sustainable and affordable homes for local people, within their existing community.”Read next: Bank urges more government funding for social housingAre 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.