Council approves 'ground-breaking’ plans for LGBTQ+ care home in Manchester

The site of a former private hospital in south Manchester is set to be transformed into a 'ground-breaking' sanctuary for older members of the LGBTQ+ community in the city.

After council granted planning permission, work on the site of the former Spire hospital on Russell Road in Whalley Range, which has been vacant since 2019, will start later this year. The majority of the residents will members of the LGBTQ+ community from Manchester who are 55 or over who will benefit from 'an open and inclusive place of psychological safety', according to the council.

The rental scheme is designed to help older people who aren't heterosexual or are transgender into homes where they feel safe and avoid social isolation.

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Actor Sir Ian McKellen, LGBT Foundation patron and supporter of the Pride in Ageing Programme, who visited the Russell Road site earlier this year, welcomed the project, which is billed as a UK first.

He said: "It's wonderful to see Manchester leading the way yet again. Our community deserves to be able to age in a safe and welcoming environment where we are accepted for who we are, and Russell Road will do just that. Congratulations to everyone involved in the project and I look forward to following its progress and seeing the scheme open!"

The site will also include a neighbouring development of shared ownership homes, with 40 homes in a mix of one- and two-bed apartments. It is hoped the shared ownership model will help people onto the housing ladder.

The development will be funded by Great Places housing and grants from Homes England and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Brownfield Housing Fund.

It promises 80 one and two bedroom apartments for older people from Manchester's LGBTQ+ community. The 'low-carbon' scheme will include shared communal facilities including lounges, treatment rooms and landscaped gardens and will deliver an overall net gain of trees on the site, says the council.

After planning permission was granted on Friday, Coun Gavin White, executive member for housing and development at Manchester City Council, said: "This is a real celebratory moment for this development, which has been in the works for some years and is designed to meet a clear need for quality, social rent housing for LGBTQ+ older people to live in safety, dignity and as part of a welcoming and supportive community.

"We have helped build hundreds of Extra Care homes across Manchester in recent years to meet demand for older people to live in their later lives, many with care needs provided on site, but this is the first purpose-built LGBTQ+ majority Extra Care community in the UK. It’s a landmark development in every sense and we look forward to getting on site later this year.”

Paul Martin, chief executive of the LGBT Foundation, added: "Today’s announcement marks a significant and welcome milestone and LGBT Foundation are delighted by the news that plans for Russell Road have been approved.

"Older LGBTQ+ people are currently at greater risk of discrimination, poor health outcomes and social isolation, and many do not have the support networks of family and friends. This scheme aims to address these challenges and create a safe and affirming environment where our community can age with pride.

"We’re looking forward to transforming our vision into a reality and continuing to work alongside partners and the Community Steering Group to improve the lives of older LGBTQ+ Mancunians and ensure Manchester continues to be a place where LGBTQ+ people are free to be themselves.”

Helen Spencer, of Great Places, said: "We’re delighted to receive planning approval for this ground-breaking project. Our Russell Road development is a significant step forward in providing high-quality, inclusive housing for members of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community.

"This low-carbon development of 80 one- and two-bedroom apartments aims to offer flexible care and support services for residents aged 55 and over. Our collaboration with the Russell Road Community Steering Group, Manchester City Council, and LGBT Foundation has been crucial in shaping a scheme that meets residents’ needs and enhances the local area.

“Additionally, the adjacent shared ownership block will help address affordability challenges in Whalley Range. We look forward to starting work on site and continuing our work with all partners to make this vision a reality.”