Published: 2024-01-20 by, News Team

Extra Care Homes Project to Build LGBTQ+ Affirmative Retirement Homes

Great Places Housing Group is at the forefront of an innovative project that aims to establish the UK's first purpose-built LGBT+ affirmative retirement community. Located on the former Spire Hospital site in Whalley Range, Manchester, this initiative is a collaborative effort involving Great Places, Manchester City Council, LGBT Foundation, and other partners. The development, known as Russell Road, envisions an 80-flat extra care housing block designed for individuals aged 55 and older who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, or allies. The apartments, available for social rent, will offer one or two bedrooms, fostering an inclusive and vibrant living environment.

The scheme, in the works since 2020, was prompted by a survey conducted by the LGBT Foundation, revealing that 51% of respondents would be uncomfortable in a non-LGBT+ specific retirement community. Great Places secured the contract in March of the previous year, working closely with its partners to bring the project to fruition. The development's vision includes not only the extra care housing block but also a block of around 40 shared-ownership apartments, each featuring one or two bedrooms. The consultation period for the Manchester LGBT+ extra care housing block is open until March 8, encouraging community input to shape this groundbreaking and inclusive living space.

Helen Spencer, executive director of growth at Great Places, expressed excitement about the project, emphasizing its innovative nature and its potential to create the UK's first purpose-built and co-produced LGBTQ+ extra care housing scheme in Whalley Range. She highlighted Russell Road's commitment to providing high-quality, affordable, and inclusive homes for older people within the LGBT+ community or allies. Spencer also underscored the significance of the development in enhancing the diversity and vibrancy of Whalley Range as a neighborhood.

Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, referred to the project as a "landmark development" for the city's LGBT+ community. He acknowledged the gap in the market for affordable housing for older individuals, particularly where care needs are met onsite and where residents can feel accepted and live with dignity. White emphasized the collaborative and co-production approach, with a community steering group guiding the design principles to ensure they meet the needs of future residents. LGBT Foundation chief executive Paul Martin echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of community input to make the development a success and offering a safe and welcoming home for older LGBT+ individuals.

While the Whalley Range LGBT+ extra care housing project represents the first purpose-built extra care home designed for the LGBT+ community, similar facilities have been established in London. Tonic Housing, for example, launched Tonic@Bankhouse in Vauxhall, where 19 homes were purchased at One Housing's Bankhouse retirement scheme specifically for LGBT+-affirming senior care.

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