New proposals brought forward for ‘first of a kind’ purpose-built LGBT+ housing scheme

New proposals for a plan to create the UK’s first purpose built and co-produced LGBT+ older person’s housing scheme in south Manchester have been brought forward.

Anchor, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of specialist housing and care for older people, is seeking views once more from local residents ahead of a planning application submission for around 100 new affordable homes.

The development is planned for the site of the former Spire Hospital in Russell Road, Whalley Range, which was demolished in 2019 and the brownfield site has since remained vacant.

In partnership with Manchester City Council and LGBT Foundation, Anchor said the first consultation event, which took place in January in person and online, presented the initial thinking for the proposed new development.

At a second event this week, visitors were able to view more detailed designs ahead of the planning application being submitted.

The proposals will deliver homes for older people and propose around 100 one- and two-bedroom apartments, in a brick building of three and four storeys.

Residents will be required to be aged 55 years or over, and the scheme will be inclusive of members and non-members of the LGBT+ community from Manchester.

Charles Taylor, Anchor’s director of new business, said: “The first consultation was well attended and we got some great feedback. We’re looking forward to presenting our updated proposals for further views before we submit a planning application to Manchester City Council.

“At Anchor we have developed a strong reputation for delivering high-quality homes where people love living in later life. We share the collective ambition with Manchester City Council to create an exemplary, inclusive development on this well-located site in the heart of the Whalley Range community.”

Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and employment, said: “It’s brilliant to see this project starting to move at pace. This is the second consultation for the LGBT majority extra care scheme and the feedback received has been really useful in developing the proposals that will go to planning in the coming weeks.”

Paul Martin, CEO LGBT Foundation, said: “LGBT Foundation is proud to have been involved in the development of the LGBT+ majority Extra Care scheme in Whalley Range since it was proposed some years ago. We were delighted to hear the overwhelming support for the scheme during the first consultation.

“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.”

Local residents will be able to provide their views online until 23 February.

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